In radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, radio waves are used to create a current that heats nerve tissue. When the heat destroys the nerve, the brain cannot receive pain signals from that area. Patients with chronic pain, including those with lower back pain, neck pain, and arthritis, can benefit from RFA.

By using radio waves to produce heat, radiofrequency ablation targets diseased tissue. The application of radiofrequency to nerve tissue damages nerves, preventing or stopping pain signals from reaching the brain, and thereby relieving pain.

Radiofrequency ablation involves inserting a small hollow needle inside the nerve causing pain and causing it to be treated with radiofrequency. Radio waves are sent to the targeted nerve through an electrode inserted into the top of the needle. When the nerve is damaged by heat, it cannot send pain signals to your brain. During the procedure, no healthy nerves are damaged in the surrounding area.

All aspects of your life can be affected by nagging chronic pain. You may be unable to work, spend time with your children or grandchildren, or participate in your favorite recreational activities if you suffer from chronic pain. As a result of chronic pain, it may be difficult to sleep well, and it may affect the way you feel.

The most common uses of radiofrequency ablation are for arthritis and neuropathic pain. Generally, necks, backs, and hips are the most commonly treated areas. Pain caused by nerve issues can also be treated with radiofrequency ablation, especially when it involves other joints.

Whether radiofrequency ablation is right for you can be determined by the staff at Advanced Gastroenterology. In the case of chronic pain that has not responded to over-the-counter or prescription medications, physical therapy, or regenerative medicine, radiofrequency ablation may be an option.

A comprehensive physical exam and any necessary imaging are performed by your doctor first. Following this, the doctor will evaluate your spine fluoroscopically (through X-rays). In conjunction with your input on the pain, they pinpoint where the pain is coming from. In order to confirm the location of the pain, they then perform a diagnostic joint or nerve block. In general, RF ablation is only performed when 50% or greater pain relief has been achieved.

After radiofrequency ablation, nursing personnel will closely monitor you as the sedation wears off since radio frequency ablation generally occurs under anesthesia. In addition to discomfort or soreness at the procedure site, you may feel sleepy or disoriented after the procedure. A medical staff member may monitor your recovery and ensure there are no immediate complications for another six to eight hours. If someone is available to drive you home, you will be released into the care of family or friends.

It is common for patients to return to their daily activities the same day after surgery with some modifications. It may be possible for you to return to your everyday routine after a few days of rest, but you may still feel better after several days of rest. In order to help you recover more comfortably, your doctor may make recommendations when you are discharged.

During the procedure, you might feel discomfort, superficial burning pain, or hypersensitivity. The pain usually lasts between one and two weeks after the procedure.

As the ablated nerves die and no longer transmit pain signals, it can take 2 to 3 weeks for full pain relief to occur. Your back or neck may seem uncharacteristically weak at this time, but this will wear off as you recover.

Radiofrequency ablation is available at Advanced Gastroenterology.

We serve patients from Orlando FL, Kissimmee FL, St. Cloud FL, Meadow Woods FL, Celebration FL, Williamsburg FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, and Hunters Creek FL.