Radiofrequency Ablation

What is Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an advanced interventional procedure designed to provide long-lasting relief for patients experiencing chronic neck or back pain. This treatment is particularly effective for individuals whose pain originates from specific nerves.

Conditions Treated

• Chronic Neck Pain (Cervical Facet Joint Pain)• Chronic Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Facet Joint Pain)• Facet Joint Arthritis• Spondylolisthesis (Slipped Vertebra)• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction• Spinal Stenosis• Chronic Sciatica• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (Post-Surgical Pain)• Osteoarthritis (in joints, including knees, hips, and shoulders)• Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain)• Chronic Knee Pain (in some cases of osteoarthritis)

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

• Long-Lasting Relief: Pain relief can last six months to a year or longer, providing patients with improved quality of life.• High Success Rate: Studies show that approximately 70% of patients experience significant pain reduction following the procedure.• Non-surgical: Our services are minimally invasive, requiring no major surgery, and have a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.

How does the treatment work?

• The treatment is performed in a medical office and typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.• The skin over the treatment area (usually the back or neck) is cleaned and sterilized to prevent infection.• A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin and tissues where the needle will be inserted.• Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray), the doctor will guide a thin needle to the targeted area of the pain (often near a nerve).• The needle is carefully placed next to the nerve causing the pain.• Once the needle is in place, a small radiofrequency (RF) probe is inserted.• The RF probe sends controlled heat (radiofrequency energy) to the nerve, effectively disrupting its ability to send pain signals to the brain.• The heat can burn or coagulate the nerve tissue, relieving pain.• You can usually resume normal activities, though some doctors may advise you to avoid strenuous activity for a short time.

What to Expect After Treatment?

• Mild Discomfort: Expect soreness or tenderness at injection areas.• Swelling and Bruising: Minor swelling and bruising of the treated areas are shared and typically resolve within a few days.• Fatigue: Some patients may experience mild fatigue in the first few days after the procedure.• Activity Restrictions: To allow healing, avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or high-impact exercises for 1-2 weeks.• Gradual Improvement: Expect gradual pain reduction and increased mobility over the next few weeks to months.• Ongoing Healing: Full benefits may take several weeks to months as the body regenerates tissues and repairs damage.