Radiofrequency Ablation

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that eases your pain by stopping nerve signals carrying the pain message to your brain. Pain Management Associates LLC performs radiofrequency ablation by first identifying the nerve transmitting the signal.

The team at Pain Management Associates does a diagnostic nerve block, injecting a local anesthetic at the suspected nerve. If you get relief from the nerve block, you’re a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation.

During radiofrequency ablation, they use a specialized needle-like instrument to precisely wound the nerve using radio waves. The wound blocks all nerve signals, so the pain messages can’t get to your brain. For most people, this provides significant, long-lasting pain relief.

When would I need radiofrequency ablation?

The team at Pain Management Associates LLC may recommend radiofrequency ablation when conservative medical care fails to relieve your pain. Radiofrequency ablation is such a precise technique that it can target the nerve responsible for your pain from nearly anywhere in your body.

Radiofrequency ablation helps with conditions such as:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Facet joint arthritis
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Hip and shoulder pain

In some cases, your provider may recommend radiofrequency ablation to treat complex regional pain syndrome.

What should I expect during radiofrequency ablation?

Pain Management Associates LLC uses a local anesthetic when performing radiofrequency ablation. They also use fluoroscopy, a specialized X-ray technique that shows real-time images, allowing them to guide the thin, needle-like probe to the precisely targeted nerve.

Once the needle is touching the nerve, your provider activates the radiofrequency energy, which quickly wounds the nerve. You walk around right after your procedure, but you’ll stay in the office for a short time for observation.

Your provider at Pain Management Associates LLC may recommend limiting your activities for 1-2 days. You should also expect soreness or muscle cramping at the treatment site for a short time.

How long does radiofrequency ablation last?

You may feel the results immediately, but it typically takes about 10 days. Your pain relief lasts for nine months to two years or longer, depending on whether the nerve regrows and how quickly it regenerates.

Call Pain Management Associates LLC or request a radiofrequency ablation consultation online today.