Living with ongoing back, neck, or joint pain can make your ordinary routine harder than it should be. When other, more conservative treatments like medication and therapy haven’t provided the relief you need, you may start looking for options that more directly target the source of the pain. Radiofrequency ablation is one treatment that may help certain patients by interrupting pain signals from irritated nerves, offering a path toward improved comfort and daily function.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation, and How Does It Work?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce pain signals from specific nerves. Your doctor may recommend it when your pain appears to come from irritated or damaged nerves near your spine, joints, or other areas of your body. Rather than treating pain with medication alone, RFA focuses on the nerves that are believed to be sending pain messages to your brain.
During the procedure, your physician will place a thin needle near the targeted nerve. They may use fluoroscopy or ultrasound imaging to help position the needle accurately. Once the needle is in place, radiofrequency energy creates a controlled heat lesion on the nerve tissue. This can limit the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.
RFA doesn’t repair the underlying condition that caused the pain. Instead, it may provide relief by changing how pain signals travel from the affected area. For some patients, RFA can make movement, physical therapy, and everyday activities more manageable. However, results vary. Your medical provider can evaluate your symptoms to determine whether the source of your pain may make radiofrequency ablation an appropriate treatment option.
What Can Radiofrequency Ablation Be Used to Treat?
Radiofrequency ablation may be used to treat several varieties of chronic pain when a physician can trace the pain back to specific nerves and after conservative care hasn’t provided sufficient relief. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend RFA for pain related to:
- Neck pain caused by facet joint problems
- Lower back pain linked to spinal arthritis
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Knee, hip, or shoulder joint pain
- Certain nerve-related pain conditions
A medical evaluation can help determine whether RFA fits your diagnosis and treatment goals.
How to Prepare for Radiofrequency Ablation
Before radiofrequency ablation, your provider will review your medical history, current medications, imaging results, and response to prior treatments. They may ask you to stop taking certain medications before the procedure, especially blood thinners. Be sure to ask about your medications, but don’t stop taking any prescriptions without medical guidance. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home if your doctor plans to sedate you during treatment.
During the RFA procedure, you’ll lie in a position that allows your physician to reach the treatment area. They’ll clean and numb your skin before performing the procedure. RFA is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Expect it to take 30 minutes to an hour or longer.
How Long Does Pain Relief Typically Last After Radiofrequency Ablation?
Pain relief after radiofrequency ablation treatment varies from patient to patient. Some people notice improvement within a few days, while others need several weeks to feel the full effect. Relief may last for several months or longer, but because the treated nerves can regenerate over time, RFA usually doesn’t lead to permanent pain relief. If your pain returns, your physician can reassess your condition and discuss whether another treatment may be appropriate.
Contact Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine to Schedule an Appointment
If you’re struggling with chronic nerve pain, radiofrequency ablation treatment may provide the relief you need to resume your daily activities. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we’re pleased to offer RFA to patients for whom the treatment may offer a solution to nerve pain that’s affecting their back or neck. Contact our office today to request an appointment.