Chronic pain is a serious problem that can affect a patient’s daily life. It can cause physical and mental distress and make it difficult to do everyday activities. Innovative medical treatments are now available to help manage pain better. Radiofrequency Ablation provides a pain-relieving procedure using a minimally disruptive technique. This article will discuss how RFA operates, its advantages, the conditions it is used to treat, and what you can expect from the procedure. With the goal of addressing patients’ concerns and delivering results ASAP, this article will explore the RFA, its benefits, and the condition(s) that it treats.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency (RFA) Ablation is an effective medical procedure that relies on heat produced from radiofrequency. These waves can be delivered using a specialized needle to target the nerves fibers that transmit pain signals. RFA is able to reduce or eliminate the pain in treated areas by disrupting these pain signal.
It is commonly used by those with chronic pain conditions who have not responded to traditional treatments such as medication, steroid shots, or physical therapy. RFA can offer an alternative option to more invasive procedures for those with pain in their joints, necks, spines, or lower backs.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Conditions treated
RFA has been used to treat many chronic pain conditions.
- Chronic back or neck pain: Pain is usually caused by arthritis, spinal degeneration, or herniated disks. RFA relieves pain by focusing on the spine nerves.
- Facet joint Pain: Small joints located between the spinal vertebrae are called facet joints. RFA may be used as a treatment for pain in these joints, specifically when arthritis is present.
- Sacroiliac Pain: This is a pain in the joint that joins the spine with the pelvis. RFA provides relief to those suffering from sacroiliitis. Inflammation of the sacroiliac is caused by this condition.
- Pain Caused By Knee Osteoarthritis: RFA is a treatment that can relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis in patients who are not suitable for knee replacement surgery.
- Hip Or Shoulder Pain: RFA can also provide relief for chronic pain in large joint areas without the need for surgery.
RFA has also been used in the treatment of headaches from cervical spine problems and neuropathic, or pain that is caused by damage to nerves.
How Does The Procedure Work?
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a quick procedure that can be performed outpatient. RFA can easily be explained by following this step-by-step guide:
- Preparation: Prior to the procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb any area that the RFA will need. In some instances, a mild sedative may be given to help the patient relax.
- Insertion Needle: A small needle is carefully inserted by the doctor using fluoroscopic or X-ray guidance. The area where the pain originates will be marked.
- Radiation Energy Application: When the needle is positioned, the radiofrequency energy is sent to the needle. This creates heat that destroys nerve fibers which transmit pain signals from the body to the brain.
- Completion: Once the targeted nerve has been treated and the needle has been removed, the patient may recover. The procedure is usually completed in 30 to 90 minutes, depending on what area is being treated.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Benefits
RFA has many advantages for those with chronic pain.
- Minimally invasive: RFA, unlike surgical options, does not require large cuts or prolonged recovery periods. Patients are able to return to normal activity relatively quickly.
- Long-term relief: While pain relief lasts for different lengths of time, in many cases, patients feel relief lasting 6 to 12 months. In other cases, the relief can continue for several years.
- Reduced dependency on medications: RFA reduces or eliminates the need for chronic medications that often cause side effects and have long-term risks.
- Fewer problems: RFA presents a smaller risk of complications than surgery. This includes infections and bleeding. Most patients find the procedure to be safe and well-tolerated.
Conclusion
If you suffer from chronic pain and your conservative treatments have not worked, it might be worth looking into Radiofrequency Ablation. This minimally invasive technique provides long-lasting relief without surgery’s risks or lengthy recovery. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide long-lasting relief without the risks and recovery time associated with surgery. RFA’s solution delivers fast, effective results for people who want to get pain relief ASAP. Consult your physician to find out if this is the right treatment for you.