Don’t Let pain hold you back
Radiofrequency Ablation
For Pain Management
WHATS IS
Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequnecy ablations (RFA) uses heat to destroy tissue. For pain management, radio waves are sent through a precisely placed needle to heat an area of the nerve. The prevents pain signals from being sent back to your brain.
How Does IT
WORK?
In order to stop the flow of pain signals from the nerves to the brain, this technique makes use of a device called a Radio Frequency Generator to produce a current that disrupts the transmission of these signals. A thin needle with a hollow center is put close to the nerve that is being targeted for radiofrequency ablation. This nerve is the one that is generating the pain and discomfort. An electrode is inserted into the top of the needle, which allows radio waves to be transmitted all the way to the nerve that is being treated. The nerve receives a lesion as a result of the heat, which stops it from transmitting pain signals to the brain. During the treatment, the nearby healthy nerves are not harmed in any way. The tissue within and all around a terminal branch of the nerve is altered and heated by the radio frequency current. This results in a reduction in the sense of pain that is transmitted through the nerve in a manner that is only partially permanent. Radiofrequency (RF) has proven to be an effective way for causing lesions in nerve tissue. A rhizotomy is the name given to this surgical operation.
WHO ARE CANDIDATES
FOR THE PROCEDURE?
Patients who have been experiencing continuing chronic pain in the neck, back, knees, shoulders, or hips and have not reacted favorably to any other treatment approaches. Patients suffering from failed back surgery syndrome respond well to treatment with this method as well. Your doctor will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for this procedure, or your doctor may choose to do a diagnostic block in order to evaluate your potential for success with this surgery.
BENEFITS OF RHIZOTOMY PROCEDURES?
- Almost painless
- Faster results
- Minimal Invasion
- Cost Effective
- Same Day procedure
- No more pain tablets daily
- Improve Function
- Avoid or relay surgery
WHAT IS
RFA used to Treat?
Chronic pain caused by conditions including arthritis of the spine(spondylosis) and sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Pain in your neck and lower back
- Plantar fasciitis pain in the feet
- Facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia
- Peripheral nerve pain
IS THE PROCEDURE
PAINFUL?
Because the operation requires the insertion of needles through the layers of skin, muscles, and other soft tissues, there is a possibility that the patient will have some post-operative discomfort. The anesthesiologist who is present in the operating room will take the necessary precautions to always reduce the likelihood of these adverse effects to an acceptable level.
THE RESULTS?
In the vast majority of patients, radiofrequency ablation (Rhizotomy) can provide between 60% - 90% relief from their pain for a period of up to 24 months. The outcomes of this treatment are not permanent because it is a conservative treatment, and it may need to be repeated if the pain comes back. Rhizotomy treatments that are successful will provide relief for a longer period of time than steroid block injections, and they will unquestionably lessen the impacts of pain, giving you greater physical freedom to continue living your life.
HOW LONG IS THE RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION PROCEDURE?
In the operating room, radiofrequency ablation typically takes between ½ and 1 ½ hours to accomplish. This entirely depends on the location of the treatment as well as the total number of treatments received.
