Radiofrequency (RF) pain treatment utilizes an alternating electric field of high frequency to impact nervous tissue. The analgetic effect is reached by neuroablation, termic destruction of nerve fibers (RF termoablation).However, analgetic effect is also caused by temporary electrophysiological changes in pain perception resulting from an exposure of nervous tissue to the electric field, so called neuromodulation (pulsed RF). Pulsed RF is an isothermic, non-destructive method of pain treatment which resulted in using the method in wider spectrum of diagnoses. Indications for RF are spinal pain, interventions on the vegetative nerve system and peripheral nerves. Nowadays RF is used for acute and chronic pain treatment in all developed countries. It is accesible in the Czech Republic since 2003. The review article summarizes physical principles, biological effects, indications, techniques and complications of RF treatment.

        Key words: RF termoablation – pulsed RF – spinal pain – visceral pain