Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — also called radiofrequency neurotomy — can provide longer-lasting relief for facet-related neck or low-back pain after positive diagnostic medial branch blocks. At University Pain Consultants, RFA is performed under fluoroscopic guidance at our Riverside, Corona, Menifee, Temecula, Hemet, and San Bernardino locations.

Call 951-784-7111 · Choose your location

Offices: Riverside · Corona · Menifee · Temecula · Hemet · San Bernardino

Insurance-based care: University Pain Consultants accepts most major insurance plans at all six locations. Coverage for procedures depends on your plan and medical necessity; our staff verifies benefits before your procedure when possible. Cash-pay regenerative options (PRP, ketamine, and related therapies) are separate at upcregenmed.com (Riverside & Menifee).

Who this is for

  • Patients with facet-mediated pain confirmed by diagnostic medial branch blocks
  • Neck or low-back pain that improved temporarily after those blocks
  • People across the Inland Empire seeking longer relief than injections alone typically provide

Who may not be a good candidate

  • Negative or unclear response to diagnostic blocks
  • Active infection or unsafe medical risk
  • Pain primarily from disc herniation or stenosis better served by other treatments

What RFA is (plain language)

Using X-ray guidance, a specialized needle is placed next to the medial branch nerves that carry facet pain. Controlled heat interrupts those pain signals. It is not open surgery, and nerves can eventually regenerate — relief duration varies by person.

What to expect

  1. Confirm candidacy (usually after successful medial branch blocks)
  2. Outpatient fluoroscopy-guided RFA at your preferred UPC office
  3. Soreness for several days is common; benefit often builds over weeks
  4. Follow-up to assess response

Six University Pain Consultants locations

We provide this care across Riverside, Corona, Menifee, Temecula, Hemet, and San Bernardino, CA — one practice, six offices.

  • Riverside — 6900 Brockton Ave. #203, Riverside, CA 92506
  • Corona — 2083 Compton Ave. #104, Corona, CA 92881
  • Menifee — 27990 Sherman Road, Menifee, CA 92585
  • Temecula — 27450 Ynez Road #202, Temecula, CA 92591
  • Hemet — 3989 West Stetson Ave. #102, Hemet, CA 92545
  • San Bernardino — 164 West Hospitality Lane #5, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Also serving nearby communities including Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Norco, Eastvale, Redlands, Rialto, Colton, Fontana, and Yucaipa.

Main: 951-784-7111 · Fax: 951-823-5000 · All locations & maps

FAQ

Which cities offer RFA?
Riverside, Corona, Menifee, Temecula, Hemet, and San Bernardino — call 951-784-7111.

How long does RFA last?
Many patients who respond get months of relief; some longer, some shorter. Nerves can regenerate, and the procedure can sometimes be repeated when appropriate.

Do I need medial branch blocks first?
Usually yes — they help confirm the facets are the pain source before RFA.

Insurance?
Often covered when criteria are met; we help with authorization.

Ready to discuss radiofrequency ablation?

Call 951-784-7111 · Choose your location

Offices: Riverside · Corona · Menifee · Temecula · Hemet · San Bernardino

Educational information only — not personal medical advice. Individual results and risks vary. Ask your physician whether this treatment is appropriate for you.

Related: Facet / medial branch blocks · Lumbar epidural · Cervical epidural · Spinal cord stimulator