Living with chronic pain can be exhausting. When pain limits your ability to do the things you love or perform everyday activities, finding effective relief becomes a priority. One option that many patients find helpful is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). This minimally invasive procedure can provide significant, long-term relief from certain types of pain. Let’s dive into what RFA is, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and disrupt specific nerves that are sending pain signals to your brain. By “turning off” these pain signals, RFA can significantly reduce or eliminate the discomfort you feel in areas like your back, neck, joints, and more.
RFA is often recommended for patients with chronic pain conditions, such as:
• Arthritis of the spine (facet joint pain)
• Sacroiliac joint pain
• Pain after back or neck surgery
• Chronic joint pain in the knees, shoulders, or hips
How Does RFA Work?
During the RFA procedure, your physician uses a special needle to deliver radiofrequency energy to the targeted nerve. The heat from the radio waves creates a small, precise lesion on the nerve, stopping it from transmitting pain signals.
The procedure usually involves the following steps:
1. Preparation: You’ll lie on a treatment table, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area.
2. Guidance: Using X-ray imaging, the physician carefully guides a thin needle to the location of the nerve.
3. Radiofrequency Application: Radiofrequency energy is delivered through the needle, creating heat that disrupts the nerve’s ability to send pain signals.
4. Recovery: The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you can go home the same day.
What Can You Expect After the Procedure?
Many patients experience significant pain relief within a few weeks after the procedure. Some may feel initial discomfort or soreness at the injection site, but this usually subsides within a few days. Your physician may recommend rest and avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days.
The results of RFA can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on how quickly the nerves regenerate. If the pain returns, the procedure can often be repeated to maintain pain relief.
What are the Benefits of RFA?
• Minimally Invasive: RFA is performed using a small needle, avoiding the need for open surgery.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients are back on their feet the same day and can return to normal activities within a few days.
• Long-Lasting Relief: Unlike pain medications that need to be taken regularly, RFA offers sustained relief from chronic pain.
• Reduced Need for Medication: With effective pain relief, many patients are able to decrease or even stop their reliance on pain medications, reducing potential side effects.
Is RFA Right for You?
RFA is not for everyone, but it may be a great option if you:
• Have chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments like physical therapy or injections.
• Want to avoid surgery.
• Have pain that has been positively identified as coming from a specific nerve.
Next Steps: Talk to Your Provider
If you’re living with chronic pain and wondering if RFA could help, reach out Dr. Manvar for an assessment of your condition, the potential benefits, and help determine if RFA is the right step in your pain management journey. At Integrative Pain and Spine Institute, we’re here to guide you every step of the way toward a pain-free life!