Radiofrequency Ablation for Sciatica: A Medical Guide for Napa Valley Patients
Understanding Radiofrequency Ablation for Sciatica (RFA) as an Advanced Treatment Option for Persistent Nerve Pain
By Dr. Jackie Weisbein, DO, Double Board-Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, Fellowship-Trained in Interventional Pain Management
Quick Insights
Sciatica treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a minimally invasive option for patients experiencing persistent leg and lower back pain. This procedure uses controlled thermal energy to interrupt pain signals from irritated spinal nerves, potentially providing longer-lasting relief than traditional steroid injections for select candidates. When combined with accurate diagnosis and expert technique, RFA may help restore function and daily comfort for those who haven't responded to conservative treatments.
Key Takeaways
- RFA uses controlled heat to disrupt pain signals from the affected spinal nerves.
- Some studies suggest that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may provide longer-lasting relief than steroid injections for patients with lumbar facet joint pain.
- Candidacy and outcomes depend on precise diagnosis and expert procedural technique.
- Many St. Helena and Napa residents choose local hospitals like Queen of the Valley Medical Center for imaging or additional care.
Why It Matters
If you’re tired of repeated injections that don’t last, sciatica treatment with RFA offers new hope. The procedure can restore comfort and daily function, allowing you to reclaim activities you’ve lost—whether that’s working, family time, or simply walking without pain.
Introduction
If you've exhausted conservative options for your sciatic nerve pain and feel like nothing provides lasting relief, you are not alone. As a double board-certified pain specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, fellowship-trained in interventional pain management, and President of WIPM, I am deeply committed to bringing the North Bay the most advanced pain relief options. My boutique approach combines physician-led, evidence-based care, rapid-recovery procedures, and a whole-person wellness plan that addresses more than just pain.
Irritated or compressed spinal nerves often cause persistent leg and back discomfort that doesn't respond to conservative care. Radiofrequency ablation uses targeted thermal energy to interrupt pain signals—offering a minimally invasive answer when other treatments disappoint.
Research supports RFA’s benefits in chronic pain management, but patient selection and accurate technique matter most (see detailed clinical overview).
If you’re tired of shot-after-shot with little relief, let’s talk about real solutions. There are still options to help you get your life—and your movement—back.
What Is Sciatica—and Why Does Nerve Pain Persist After Injections?
Sciatica is a term I use often in my clinic to describe pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg, usually caused by irritation or compression of the spinal nerves. For many people—like Mark from Vallejo, who’s tried everything from chiropractic care to injections—this pain just won’t quit. Even after steroid shots or nerve blocks, the relief can be short-lived or incomplete.
Steroid injections primarily reduce inflammation in conditions like lumbar facet joint pain but may not address underlying nerve irritation, often resulting in temporary relief I see this pattern in patients from St. Helena and American Canyon who are frustrated by the cycle of temporary fixes. Studies suggest that persistent nerve pain often needs a more targeted approach, which is where advanced options like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) come in. For a deeper dive into why sciatica can be so stubborn, I recommend reading the NCBI StatPearls review on chronic pain mechanisms.
As a pain management specialist who sees a high volume of patients, I can’t tell you how often I meet people who are discouraged because “nothing has worked.” It’s important to know that injections aren’t failing because you’ve done something wrong—sometimes, the root cause needs a more nuanced or advanced approach. That’s why I always work closely with my patients to find and treat the actual source of their nerve pain.
Meet Dr. Jackie Weisbein: Napa’s Double Board-Certified Pain Specialist
As a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people in Napa and the North Bay reclaim their lives from managing chronic pain long term. My approach is deeply personal—whether you’re a working parent like Lena or a retiree from Sonoma, I know that pain isn’t just physical; it affects your whole world.
I personally perform every advanced procedure at Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, and I’m proud to be recognized as one of the Top 100 implanting physicians in the U.S. My patients often come to me after years of failed treatments, looking for real answers. I believe in combining the latest interventional techniques with holistic support, so you’re not just another number. If you want to learn more about my background and philosophy, you can visit my Women Innovators in Pain Management profile.
In my own practice, what sets my care apart is the time I spend understanding your story—your activity level, family responsibilities, and what matters most to you—before recommending any intervention. Many North Bay patients tell me that having this level of partnership helps them feel empowered and understood, which is just as important as the procedure itself.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Nerve Pain?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure I use to target the nerves responsible for chronic back and leg pain. Using a special needle, I deliver controlled heat to the affected nerve, which disrupts its ability to send pain signals—think of it as switching off a malfunctioning alarm system. For patients like Mark, who are tired of “band-aid” solutions, RFA offers a different path.
Research indicates that RFA is generally well-tolerated and can help restore function for those who haven’t found success with other treatments. For more details on how RFA works, I recommend the Mayo Clinic’s overview of radiofrequency neurotomy.
Understanding clinical research in practical terms is essential: while studies show RFA offers notable relief for persistent nerve pain, outcomes depend on accurate diagnosis and procedural expertise: while studies show that RFA offers notable relief for persistent nerve pain, real-world outcomes depend heavily on both accurate diagnosis and expert hands. I apply advanced imaging guidance and rigorous protocols to help ensure the best possible results for each individual person.
Is RFA Right for My Sciatica? (Candidacy, Safety, Expected Results)
Not everyone with sciatica is a candidate for RFA, but for many of my patients—especially those who’ve tried injections without lasting relief—it’s worth considering. I always start with a thorough evaluation, including diagnostic nerve blocks, to pinpoint the exact source of pain. This step is crucial, as studies emphasize that patient selection and procedural accuracy are key to good outcomes .
RFA is typically performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation, and most people go home the same day. For older adults like George in Sonoma, who worry about surgery and downtime, RFA can be a gentle alternative. While research shows that pain relief can last several months to over a year, results do vary, and I always discuss the full range of expectations and limitations with my patients . For more on candidacy and safety, you can review the CMS guidelines on RFA coverage.
As a double board-certified pain specialist, I take the time to walk each patient through the possible outcomes based on the latest research and my direct experience. I often explain that, although studies suggest RFA is generally effective and safe when properly indicated, every person’s anatomy, health status, and goals are unique. Many of my patients find reassurance in knowing the risk is low, the recovery is typically easy, and their options are fully explained before moving forward.
Selecting a Pain Management Specialist: What to Consider
Selecting the right pain management specialist involves evaluating expertise, communication style, and care coordination. Patients throughout the region benefit from physicians who collaborate with local imaging centers and hospitals and tailors care to their unique needs. For Lena, a busy mom in Napa, having a local expert who understands her lifestyle and goals makes all the difference.
I work closely with local resources, and many of my patients rely on hospitals like Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center for imaging or additional support when needed. My goal is to keep your care coordinated and convenient, so you don’t have to travel out of county for advanced pain solutions. If you want to see how local hospitals support our continuum of care, visit Queen of the Valley Medical Center.
In my experience, the combination of advanced procedures, personalized attention, and a deep understanding of the community leads to better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. If you’re ready to explore options beyond temporary fixes, I invite you to take the next step toward lasting relief.
As someone who specializes in interventional pain management right here in Napa Valley, I deeply value the trust that comes with being part of the local health community. Many of my patients come to me after feeling like they’re just a number elsewhere—and tell me that having a physician who knows their neighborhood, collaborates with local hospitals, and is reachable even after the procedure is something they can’t find at large, impersonal centers. My aim is always to offer the kind of whole-person, function-restoring care that fits your needs both medically and personally.
Voices from Our Community
As someone who’s dedicated my career to restoring function and quality of life for people across Napa Valley and the North Bay, I’m always grateful when community members share their experiences. My approach—whether it’s spinal cord stimulation, Intracept, SI-BONE fusion, ReActiv8, or radiofrequency ablation—centers on combining advanced interventional pain management with a boutique, patient-centered touch. It’s this blend of expertise and personal care that I strive to bring to every person who walks through our doors. Here’s what someone in our community posted on Google about their experience:
Google Review Spotlight
Henry: Excellent quality service. Front office staff was organized and efficient. Dr Weisbein scheduled promptly, diagnosed quickly and performed the lower back procedure where I received prompt relief View Review
Read the full review on Google
Conclusion
Radiofrequency ablation represents an advancement in interventional pain management, offering a minimally invasive option for patients with persistent radicular symptoms who haven't achieved lasting relief with conservative care. for those who haven’t found lasting relief from injections. Some studies suggest that, when performed with expert technique and careful patient selection, RFA can provide longer-lasting comfort and help restore daily function for many people struggling with persistent nerve pain .
If you’re tired of feeling like nothing works, know that you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. As a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, fellowship-trained in Interventional Pain Management, and President of Women Innovators in Pain Management, I’m here to help you reclaim your life. You deserve to move, work, and enjoy your family again with confidence. Schedule your consultation today to explore personalized pain management options.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
