Rhizotomy or Radiofrequency Ablation is a treatment to offer lasting pain relief to those suffering from low back pain from arthritis. It does not involve the usage of steroids for treatment. For the rhizotomy procedure, the small nerves that supply the facet joints in the back are actually blocked for a long period of time by performing a selective burn to the nerve. Relief from this procedure can be long-term lasting 9-12 months. When the procedure wears off, it may be repeated.