Chronic pain can disrupt daily life, affecting your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy activities you love. For many patients, traditional treatments like medications or physical therapy provide limited relief. This is where Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) comes in—a minimally invasive procedure that targets pain at its source and can provide long-lasting relief.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency Ablation is a medical procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and disable specific nerves responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. By “turning off” these nerves, RFA can significantly reduce pain in areas such as the neck, back, and joints. Unlike medications, which mask pain temporarily, RFA addresses the underlying nerve activity that contributes to chronic discomfort.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The procedure begins with a consultation to identify the exact source of your pain. Using imaging guidance, a physician inserts a thin needle near the affected nerve. A small electrical current passes through the needle, generating heat and disrupting the nerve’s ability to send pain signals. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and most patients can return home the same day.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
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Long-lasting pain relief: Many patients experience relief for 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer.
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Minimally invasive: RFA is an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.
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Reduced reliance on medication: Successful RFA can decrease the need for pain medications, including opioids.
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Improved mobility and quality of life: By reducing chronic pain, patients can regain functionality and participate in daily activities with greater ease.
Who is a Candidate?
RFA is often recommended for individuals with chronic pain in the neck, lower back, or joints that has not responded well to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. Your physician will evaluate your medical history, imaging studies, and response to prior treatments to determine if RFA is right for you.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After RFA, some patients experience mild soreness at the treatment site, which usually resolves within a few days. Most people notice significant pain relief within 1 to 2 weeks. Depending on the nerves treated and the individual’s response, relief can last several months, with some patients returning for repeat treatments as needed.
Is Radiofrequency Ablation Safe?
RFA is generally considered safe when performed by a trained specialist. As with any procedure, there are minor risks, such as temporary numbness, localized bruising, or soreness. Serious complications are rare, making RFA a reliable option for chronic pain management.
Final Thoughts
For individuals struggling with chronic pain, Radiofrequency Ablation offers a minimally invasive, effective solution that targets the root cause of discomfort. If medications, injections, or physical therapy haven’t provided sufficient relief, RFA may be the next step in reclaiming your quality of life.
Schedule a appointment with our pain specialists today to see if Radiofrequency Ablation is right for you.
