Radiofrequency ablation for back pain and neck pain

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, creates a current that warms a tiny region of nerve tissue using radio waves. The heat kills that section of the nerve, preventing it from transmitting pain signals to your brain. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can give long-term relief for those suffering from chronic pain, particularly in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints.

The objectives of radiofrequency ablation are as follows:

• Stop or lessen discomfort.
• Enhance functionality.
• Reduce the number of pain relievers you use.
• Avoid or postpone surgery.

Radiofrequency ablation targets sick tissue using heat generated by radio waves. When radiofrequency energy is administered to nerve tissue, it destroys the nerves, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain and resulting in pain alleviation.

A tiny hollow needle is placed into the targeted nerve that is producing pain during a radiofrequency ablation operation. An electrode is put into the top of the needle, which transmits radio waves to the targeted nerve. The heat produces a lesion in the nerve, preventing it from delivering pain signals to the brain. The treatment does not harm nearby healthy nerves.

Radiofrequency ablation is frequently used to treat pain that originates in joints (such as your knee) and is frequently associated with pain that originates in your spine, particularly your neck and lower back (lumbar portion of your spine).

Nerves branch off from the spinal cord and travel to the facet joints and sacroiliac joints in your spine.

Facet joints are tiny joints that connect the vertebrae in your spine. These joints provide flexibility to your spine and allow movement of your back, such as twisting and bending. The facet joints are attached to two little neurons called medial branch nerves, which transmit a signal to your brain that there is pain emanating from these joints.

The sacroiliac joints lie near the base of the spine, right above the tailbone. Pain signals are sent from the spine to the brain by lateral branch nerves linked to these joints.

Radiofrequency ablation, which is used to treat the targeted medial branch nerve in the facet joints or the lateral branch nerve in the sacroiliac joints, reduces pain signals reaching your brain.

Among the benefits of radiofrequency ablation are:

• Relief from pain.
• There will be no surgery.
• There is little to no recuperation time.
• Pain medications are no longer required.
• Improved functionality.
• After a day or two of relaxation, resume routine activities.

Most patients have some pain relief following radiofrequency ablation; however, the amount varies depending on the origin of the pain and its location. Pain relief might be quick for some people, happen within 10 days for others, or take up to three weeks for others.

Pain alleviation might last six to twelve months. For some, the alleviation lasts several years. Others may only receive modest pain alleviation.

The nerve that has been treated can regenerate. If this occurs, it generally occurs six to twelve months following the treatment. If necessary, radiofrequency ablation can be repeated.

Discuss with your healthcare provider the success rate of your procedure and the duration of your pain relief.

Radiofrequency ablation is not a surgical procedure. It is considered a minimally invasive method. This implies that the process is carried out using procedures that cause the least amount of injury or disruption to your skin and tissues. In general, minimally invasive treatment procedures minimise the risk of infection and other problems, shorten hospital stays, reduce discomfort, and shorten recovery time.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is explored for long-term pain disorders involving your spine when other treatments, such as pain medication and physical therapy, have failed. Many patients who opt to get the surgery benefit from radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Consult with your physician to determine whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is appropriate for you.