Chronic pain in the knees, lower back, neck, and joints can cause significant issues. The discomfort can compromise one’s ability to complete daily activities and participate in hobbies, altering one’s quality of life. Radiofrequency ablation may be ideal for those seeking a minimally invasive way to address the source of their pain.
What is radiofrequency ablation? Premier Med Group is a leader in minimally invasive pain relief and vein treatment in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here, we explain everything you should know about RFA and how it could help improve your quality of life.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation or radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat to kill tissue. It’s also an effective pain management treatment that sends controlled heat via radio waves through a well-placed needle to nerves that are causing chronic discomfort. The warmth prevents the nerves from triggering pain signals in the brain.
RFA is ideal for reducing or stopping pain while improving bodily functions. Patients undergoing this treatment can also reduce the number of pain medications or anti-inflammatories they take. In some cases, treatment can help people avoid or delay surgeries.
So, what is radiofrequency ablation, and what can it treat? This minimally invasive pain management procedure is ideal for treating the following conditions or problems:
- Knee, back, and neck pain
- Discomfort from cancer
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Chronic joint pain from arthritis
- Trigeminal neuralgia facial pain
The heat from radiofrequency ablation can also kill cells that create tumors, destroying the affected tissues.
How RFA works
Radiofrequency ablation works by using radio waves to target diseased tissue. The heat damages or kills the nerves in the affected area, which stops or reduces pain.
When you undergo RFA treatment, a medical professional inserts a thin, hollow needle into the nerve that’s causing discomfort. Then, they feed an electrode through the top of the needle to send heat-inducing radio waves through the instrument and into the nerve. Although the process involves a needle, it’s less invasive than surgical options, making RFA ideal for many with chronic pain conditions.
What To Expect with This Pain Management Procedure
Now that you know the answer to “What is radiofrequency ablation?” consider these facts about the procedure:
- You’ll need to lie on an X-ray table, usually face-down on your abdomen. Depending on your nervousness, your doctor may offer medication to help you relax, but you’ll be awake for the whole procedure.
- The medical professional will numb the injection site with a local anesthetic.
- To locate the right treatment area, the doctor will conduct a test with a microelectrode, which will cause you to feel a tingling or uncomfortable sensation when they detect the affected tissues.
- The technician will use fluoroscopy to ensure proper needle placement into the targeted nerve.
- The medical professional will initiate the radiofrequency current to destroy the nerve.
This is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll return home when it’s over. Usually, people can resume their daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.
RFA Benefits and Risks
The invasiveness of radiofrequency ablation is negligible since it only involves needle insertions, which is one of the treatment’s biggest advantages. It also targets specific pain sites, allowing for a streamlined approach and speedy recovery. With this procedure, you might need less day-to-day medication, or it could stop your symptoms completely.
People often get this procedure when they experience long-term bodily discomfort with little to no reliable relief. Because RFA kills damaged nerves, it can relieve pain in the long term. The heat from the radio waves doesn’t damage surrounding tissues, so there’s no real risk of developing a secondary nerve problem.
However, the treatment has a few side effects, which may include:
- Mild headache or dizziness
- Mild swelling and soreness around the injection site
- Mild numbness around the treated area
- Slight burning sensation around the treated area
These symptoms are usually temporary and don’t require medical intervention. They’ll resolve on their own within a few days.
Why get this treatment?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 21% of adults in the United States experience chronic pain. You may be a good candidate for the procedure if you suffer from chronic joint, back, sacroiliac, or neck pain and other treatments like medications and physical therapy haven’t been effective. RFA may also be suitable for those who aren’t candidates for surgical interventions.
A study in the 2023 edition of Pain Physician shows that 582 of 690 patients who underwent RFA for abdominal and mid-back pain experienced significant pain relief, resulting in an 84% efficiency rate for the treatment.
Contact our experts to explore your chronic pain treatment options in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
What is radiofrequency ablation? This treatment helps people address their chronic pain without high risks or invasive procedures. At Premier Med Group in New Jersey, and Pennsylvania we offer nerve ablation and other effective, personalized chronic pain treatments, helping patients achieve sustainable recovery and manage pain from varicose veins.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available, so call (908) 904-1900 today to request an appointment.
FAQs About RFA
What are the Dos and Don’ts after undergoing RFA?
After getting radiofrequency ablation treatment, do not drive yourself home; let someone else take you home, where you should rest for at least 24 hours.
Does nerve ablation have serious side effects?
Serious side effects of nerve ablation include bleeding, nerve damage, infection, and, in some cases, worsening pain. However, such complications are uncommon.
What’s the success rate of RFA?
The long-term success rate of RFA is relatively high. A study in Psychopharmacology Bulletin showed patients a 46% improvement in chronic pain for an average of 126 days.
How long should I stay in bed after the ablation procedure?
After an ablation procedure, you should remain in bed for four to six hours and refrain from strenuous activity for 24 hours. If you have more questions about the treatment after learning the answer to “What is radiofrequency ablation?” and its bedrest requirements, contact Premier Med Group.
