Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Twitching and Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes

The investigators aim to determine whether cervical paravertebral muscle twitching during motor testing as part of performing cervical RFAs is associated with a greater likelihood of treatment success, and greater magnitude or duration of analgesia. The investigators propose a straightforward grading scale based on visual and tactile information readily available during RFA procedures as part of routine practice (per radiofrequency electrode: 0 = no twitches palpated or observed; 1 = twitches palpated but not observed; 2 = twitches palpated and observed at 1-2 levels; 3= twitches palpated and observed at \>2 levels). If a higher weighted score (total score divided by number of radiofrequency lesion sites) correlates with a greater likelihood of treatment success, or magnitude or duration of analgesia following cervical RFA, cervical paraspinal muscle twitching may serve as a readily obtainable prognostic factor (marker) for effectiveness.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Cervical facet arthropathy based on history and physical exam (e.g. axial cervical neck pain, paraspinal tenderness, no pain referral below the ipsilateral shoulder) * Radiologic evidence of cervical pathology consistent with symptoms if MRI is available * Pain duration of greater than 3 months * Obtained 50% or greater pain relief from at least 1 diagnostic cervical medial branch block of the identical medial branch nerves targeted for RFA Exclusion Criteria: * Untreated coagulopathy * Signs or symptoms of cervical myelopathy * Signs or symptoms of cervical radiculitis/radiculopathy * Allergic reactions to local anesthetics * Serious psychiatric disorder (e.g. uncontrolled or refractory depression) that might preclude optimal outcome * Poorly controlled medical condition (e.g. pacemaker that cannot be switched off, unstable angina) * Pregnancy