What tests are typically performed prior to a back ablation procedure for chronic back pain in adults?

Pre-Ablation Testing Requirements for Back Radiofrequency Ablation

Two diagnostic medial branch blocks demonstrating >50-80% pain relief are required prior to radiofrequency ablation for facet-mediated chronic back pain. 1, 2

Diagnostic Block Protocol

First Requirement: Two Separate Diagnostic Blocks

• Each diagnostic medial branch block must demonstrate >50% pain relief (some guidelines recommend >80% threshold) for the duration of the local anesthetic used 2
• The two blocks must be performed on separate occasions to reduce false-positive rates and confirm that facet-mediated pain is the true pain generator 2
• Medial branch blocks are strongly preferred over intraarticular facet joint blocks for diagnostic purposes, as intraarticular blocks have limited evidence for predicting successful radiofrequency ablation outcomes 2

Duration of Relief Assessment

• Relief duration should correspond to the pharmacologic half-life of the local anesthetic used 2
• For longer-acting anesthetics like bupivacaine, expected relief extends to 6-12 hours based on the drug's half-life 2

Critical Distinction: Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Does NOT Require Diagnostic Blocks

For basivertebral nerve (BVN) ablation treating vertebrogenic pain, the diagnosis is established through clinical presentation and MRI findings WITHOUT requiring prior diagnostic nerve blocks. 3, 4, 5

BVN Ablation Diagnostic Criteria

• MRI findings showing Modic type I or II changes at the affected vertebral endplates 5, 6
• Clinical presentation of chronic axial back pain >6 months unresponsive to conservative care 3, 5
• Exclusion of other pain generators through imaging 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not perform facet radiofrequency ablation without confirmatory diagnostic blocks - this is the most critical error, as single facet injections alone have poor diagnostic utility and are not predictive of ablation success 2
• Do not confuse facet-mediated pain with vertebrogenic pain - these are distinct pathologies requiring different diagnostic approaches and ablation techniques 3, 2
• Do not rely on clinical examination alone to diagnose facet syndrome - no combination of clinical features can reliably discriminate facet-mediated pain without diagnostic blocks 2
• Be aware that facet joints are the primary source of back pain in only 9-42% of patients with chronic low back pain, making proper diagnostic confirmation essential 2

Evidence Quality Note

The 2025 BMJ guideline provides a strong recommendation AGAINST most interventional spine procedures including facet joint radiofrequency ablation, epidural injections, and facet joint injections 7, 3. However, the same guideline provides a strong recommendation FOR basivertebral nerve ablation, making it uniquely supported among interventional spine procedures 3. The American Society of Anesthesiologists supports conventional radiofrequency ablation of medial branch nerves when previous diagnostic blocks have provided temporary relief 1, 2.