Turning down the signal.

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat delivered through a needle to interrupt the small sensory nerves carrying pain from a specific joint. It is used most often for facet joints in the neck and lower back, and for the genicular nerves of an arthritic knee. It is not done speculatively: a diagnostic block has to confirm those nerves are carrying your pain first. Relief commonly lasts many months, and the procedure can be repeated when the nerves regenerate.

Neurostimulation places a small lead near the spinal cord or a peripheral nerve and delivers mild electrical stimulation that changes how pain signals are perceived. It is for pain that has not responded to other treatment — persistent nerve pain in the legs, pain after spine surgery, painful diabetic neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome. Crucially, it starts with a trial: a temporary lead is placed for several days so you find out whether it helps you before anything permanent is implanted.