Radiofrequency Ablation for Pain: a Minimally Invasive Procedure for Long-Term Relief
Living with long-lasting pain can affect every part of your day, making life lose some of its spark and momentum. Some people find painkillers sufficient in alleviating their chronic pain, while many others need a more powerful solution to find relief and continue their daily activities.
Today, radiofrequency ablation offers a minimally invasive option for patients who have not found lasting relief with medications or physical therapy. Continue reading to discover how radiofrequency pain treatment can target the source of your pain at the nerve level, and help you return to normal activities with less discomfort.
Understanding Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (also called radiofrequency therapy) is a medical technique that uses controlled heat generated by radio waves to destroy tissue. When it is used to treat pain, this technique is used to destroy nerve tissue and reduce that specific nerve’s ability to transmit pain to the brain.
It is performed through inserting a very thin needle near the nerve responsible for sending pain signals to the brain, this is normally done guided by imaging like X-ray or ultrasound. After successful insertion, a local anesthetic is injected through the needle to numb the area.
Following that, a controlled high-frequency electric current is sent through the needle to heat the tip of the needle. The heat then creates a small lesion in the nerve that temporarily interrupts its ability to deliver pain signals. Radiofrequency ablation can significantly reduce pain for up to 12 months, and can be repeated as needed.
Conditions that Radiofrequency Therapy Treats
Radiofrequency ablation works best when the pain comes from a clearly identified nerve branch. For this reason, doctors often perform diagnostic nerve blocks (anesthetic injections injected near nerves) first. If these temporary injections significantly reduce pain, it suggests that radiofrequency treatment may be effective.
The following conditions, among many, respond well to radiofrequency therapy:
- Chronic back pain
- Neck pain
- Some conditions of joint pain
- Some conditions of chronic post-surgical pain
This technique is known for being minimally invasive; it does not require major surgery and patients can go home the same day it is done. So, it is especially suitable for patients who either prefer non-surgical procedures, or for those looking for longer-lasting relief with shorter recovery time and minimal scarring.
What to Expect During the Procedure
If you are scheduled for a radiofrequency ablation procedure and you don’t know what to expect, then be assured that it is relatively safe and simple. It is preferable to avoid heavy meals before your procedure date and to come wearing comfortable clothes.
At the start, you will be told to rest in the operation room. You will stay awake throughout as the procedure is done under local anesthesia.
Due to the local anesthetic that is injected through the needle after it is inserted, you will not feel the heat generated by the electrical current sent through it as well. The process will not take long, usually from 20 to 30 minutes.
Patients can usually go home the same day and return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, making it an attractive option for those seeking effective chronic pain therapy without long downtime.
A Modern Solution for Long-Term Pain Relief
Chronic pain does not have to control your life and weigh heavy on your mind. With the right diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, radiofrequency pain treatment can provide lasting relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life.
If you suffer from persistent back or neck pain and conservative treatments have not given relief, it may be time book an appointment at Dr. Samer Abdel-Aziz’s pain clinic to learn whether radiofrequency therapy is the right solution for you.
Our professional team of pain specialists use the latest evidence-based techniques to create a treatment plan tailored to your condition to help you move, live, and feel better again.
- 🗓️ Book your first appointment here: Contact us
- 🗓️ Call us at +962790922204 or contact us via WhatsApp
- Feel free to email your questions or concerns to info@samerpainclinic.com
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17411-radiofrequency-ablation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0303846720301979
