Nerve Ablation in San Diego – Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Board-certified pain specialists performing radiofrequency nerve ablation at four San Diego–area clinics, with an on-site procedure suite. Many patients get months of relief from chronic back, neck and joint pain.
Book My Consultation Call (858) 571-3630 Takes 30 seconds — no referral needed, most insurance accepted.
Find Out if Nerve Ablation Is Right for You
Tell us about your pain — our team will reach out quickly to schedule your consultation at the clinic nearest you.
- Same-week consultations available
- No referral needed to be seen
- Most major insurance plans accepted
- Procedures on-site — Comprehensive Pain ASC at our Ruffin Road building
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What Is Nerve Ablation?
Nerve ablation — also called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or rhizotomy — is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat from radio waves to quiet the specific nerves carrying your pain signals. The procedure typically takes under an hour, is done through a needle with no incision, and many patients experience significant relief lasting 6–12 months, sometimes longer.
Minimally Invasive
Done through a thin needle with image guidance — no incision, no hardware, and most patients go home the same day within an hour of the procedure.
Proven for Chronic Pain
RFA is a well-established treatment for facet joint pain in the back and neck, arthritis-related pain, and sacroiliac joint pain that hasn’t responded to conservative care.
Test First, Then Treat
Before any ablation, a diagnostic nerve block confirms the exact nerves causing your pain — so we only treat what’s actually generating the signal.
Repeatable Relief
Nerves regenerate over time, and if pain returns the procedure can usually be repeated safely with similar results.
Ask if RFA Fits Your Pain A consultation is the first step — it takes 30 seconds to request.
Pain That Nerve Ablation Can Treat
If conservative treatments haven’t worked, ablation may be your next step for:
- Chronic low back pain (facet joints)
- Neck pain & cervical arthritis
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Arthritis-related spine pain
- Knee pain (genicular nerves)
- Pain after spine surgery
- Whiplash-related chronic pain
- Hip joint pain
Get Relief — Book Now Tell us where it hurts — we’ll handle the rest.
What to Expect at Our San Diego Clinics
The same careful process we’ve used with San Diego patients for more than 15 years.
Consultation & Diagnosis
Meet your physician, review your history and imaging, and confirm whether the pain is coming from nerves RFA can treat.
Diagnostic Nerve Block
A quick test injection numbs the target nerves. If your pain drops significantly, you’re a strong candidate for ablation.
The Ablation & Recovery
The procedure itself typically takes 15–45 minutes at our on-site suite. Most patients are back to normal activity within days; full relief often settles in over 2–3 weeks.
Start Step 1 Now Your consultation is one quick form away.
Physicians Who Perform Your Procedure
Board-certified pain management specialists — this page is medically reviewed by Zachary C. Cohen, MD.
Zachary C. Cohen, MD
Pain Management Physician
Chris Chisholm, MD
Pain Management Physician
Hall Wu, MD
Pain Management Physician
Jonathan H. Kaplan, MD
Pain Management Physician
Nerve Ablation Questions, Answered
Does nerve ablation hurt?
The area is numbed first, and many patients describe only pressure or brief warmth. Soreness at the site for a few days afterward is common and usually manageable with ice and over-the-counter medication.
How long does relief last?
Most patients who respond get 6–12 months of relief, and some longer. Because nerves regrow, the procedure can typically be repeated when pain returns.
How soon can I go back to work?
Many patients return to normal light activity within a day or two. We’ll give you specific guidance based on your job and your procedure.
Is nerve ablation covered by insurance?
RFA is widely covered when a diagnostic block confirms the pain source. We accept most major plans — our team verifies your coverage before the procedure.
What are the risks or side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary — soreness, numbness or tingling near the site that resolves within days to weeks. Serious complications are rare. Read our physician-reviewed guide to nerve ablation side effects and recovery timeline.
Where is the procedure done?
Consultations happen at any of our four clinics — Kearny Mesa (Ruffin Rd), Rancho Bernardo, Chula Vista and La Mesa. Procedures are performed at our Comprehensive Pain ASC, in the same building as our Ruffin Road clinic.
Have More Questions? Book a Consult Your physician will answer everything before any procedure.
Real Patients, Real Stories
“California Pain is very conveniently located; I get the VIP treatment every time. I can go in, get the work done, and I always feel so much better… I have no back pain and can move around as much as I need to.”
— Jamie V.
“The relief from the trial was so good that when it was over, I didn’t want it removed!… Everyone at California Pain has been wonderful to me. It makes a difference when you know someone cares and respects your individual pain problem.”
— Pat K.
“I went to California Pain, where I received active release therapy massage. I instantly felt so much better and was able to get right back into training. I went from being very nervous to very confident again.”
— Jeff G.
Join Them — Book Today Same-week consultations available now.
Stop Managing Pain. Start Treating It.
If chronic back, neck or joint pain is running your life, nerve ablation may give you months of real relief. Our San Diego team is ready to help — the first step is one quick form away.
Book My Consultation Same-week consultations — it takes 30 seconds.
Or call (858) 571-3630