Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation RF
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain. It can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints. Radiofrequency waves ablate, or “burn”, the nerve that is causing the pain, essentially eliminating the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Who are the candidates?
Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment option for patients who have experienced successful pain relief after a diagnostic nerve/pain receptor block injection.
Post-treatment:
Most patients can walk around immediately after the procedure. Patients may experience pain from the procedure for up to 14 days, but this is generally due to the residual effects of the nerve ablation or muscle spasm. Patients are often up and around and back to work 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. Pain relief is typically experienced within 10 days, although relief may be immediate for some patients and take up to three weeks for others.
What are the results?
Pain relief may last from 9 months to more than 2 years. It is possible the nerve will regrow through the burned lesion that was created by radiofrequency ablation. If the nerve regrows, it is usually 6-12 months after the procedure.
Any Risks?
Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a relatively safe procedure with minimal risk of complications. The complications reported in the literature include a temporary increase in nerve pain, neuritis, neuroma, localized numbness, infection, allergic reaction to medications used during the procedure, and/or lack of pain relief (in less than 30% of patients).
- Category: Treatments Offered
