Up to 85% of Americans develop a form of back pain during their lifetime. If your discomfort is ongoing or severe, numerous pain-reducing treatment options are within reach.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure performed by pain management experts at Pain Management of Long Island in Medford, New York, uses heat to stop certain nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.
Here’s a detailed look at the procedure, how to know if you may be a candidate, and what to expect.
Radiofrequency ablation is an innovative technique that uses radio waves to heat and damage pain-causing nerves. These nerves send pain signals to your brain, contributing to ongoing back discomfort. Radiofrequency ablation can be a long-term treatment for neck pain, lower back pain, arthritic joints, and more.
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that may:
You can often return to your regular daily activities a day or two after undergoing radiofrequency ablation.
This treatment is highly effective, as most people who undergo the procedure experience some degree of pain reduction.
You might be a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you’ve had pain relief after undergoing a nerve block injection and other pain-reducing treatments haven’t worked long-term.
However, this procedure might not be right for you if you have an infection, bleeding problem, or are pregnant.
During radiofrequency ablation at Pain Management of Long Island, you lie down on your stomach on an X-ray table. Your pain management specialist numbs the area and inserts a hollow needle into a painful nerve. They also insert an electrode into the needle, where it sends radio waves to the targeted nerve.
Heat damages the affected nerve, preventing pain signals from reaching your brain without destroying surrounding tissues — including nearby healthy nerves. The procedure might last 15 minutes to two hours, as more than one nerve can be treated during your procedure.
You can typically go home soon after a radiofrequency ablation procedure. It’s important to rest and avoid strenuous activities until given the OK by your pain specialist.
Temporary side effects can include muscle spasms and soreness for a few days. Ice packs help ease any discomfort. After treatment, your back pain may disappear for up to several years. Repeat procedures offer long-term relief and an enhanced quality of life.
Contact us at Pain Management of Long Island by phone or online today to achieve long-lasting back pain relief and learn if radiofrequency ablation is right for you.
