Category
Threshold Criteria
Radiofrequency denervation, also known as radiofrequency facet or sacroilial joint rhizotomy or facet or sacroilial neurotomy, involves the application of various types of thermal or radiofrequency energy within the spine which results in the destruction of targeted nerves.
This treatment is provided as part of a pain management programme by a specialised pain management service
The following are excluded from this policy
- Children up to the age of 18yrs
- Patients with back pain secondary to spinal metastases
Eligibility
| The LLR ICB will fund conventional thermal radiofrequency denervation of the facet or sacroiliac for patients with severe chronic pain in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spinal regions who meet all the following criteria  The patient is aged 18 years and over AND  All conservative management options have been tried and failed – physiotherapy, guided exercise programmes, pharmacotherapy including analgesia and muscle relaxants AND  The patient is experiencing severe pain (assessed by a pain specialist using a visual Analogue Pain Scale) for more than 6 months AND  The symptoms are not consistent with identifiable pathology including disc herniation and spinal stenosis AND  Back or neck pain predominates over leg or arm pain AND  Patient has had 1 medial branch or intra – articular nerve blocks that has provided symptom relief physiologically consistent with medial nerve branch pathology |
Guidance
| ARP 79 Review Date:2026 |
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4 responses
I live in Cheadle, Cheshire and finding it difficult to find a clinic who carries out radio frequency for a bulging disc when I came your page. I’ve been suffering for about 9 months and wondering if there’s any possibility I could be referred out of my region ?
Hi Philomena, I apologise for the delay in responding to you. If you still need advice on this please email our Enquiries Team at: llricb-llr.enquiries@nhs.net. Thankyou.
I live in Stockport and am keen to find out where I could possibly receive radio frequency under the NHS for a bulging disc.
(Clutching at straws maybe!)
Philomena Frew
Good afternoon, please contact your local NHS Integrated Care Board who will be able to advise: Gmicb-sto.contactus@nhs.net