If you are experiencing pain in your back or neck, it may be due to issues with your spine. There are many different treatment options available, but one that has shown great success in relieving pain is radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals from the spine. The procedure involves placing a small needle or electrode near the affected nerves, then using radio waves to heat the area and disable the nerves. By disabling the nerves, the pain signals can no longer be transmitted to the brain, providing relief to the patient.
How Can RFA Help With Spine-Related Pain?
RFA is particularly effective for treating pain related to the spine, as it can target specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the spine. Conditions that may be treated with RFA include:
- Arthritis in the spine
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Facet joint pain
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Failed back surgery syndrome
RFA is often used when other treatment options, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections, have not provided significant relief.
What To Expect During RFA
RFA is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than an hour to complete. Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the needle or electrode will be inserted. You may also be given a mild sedative to help you relax. During the procedure, you will lie on your stomach while the needle or electrode is guided into the affected area using imaging guidance, such as X-ray or ultrasound. Once the needle or electrode is in place, radio waves will be used to heat the area, which will destroy the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. You may feel some discomfort during the procedure, but it should not be severe.
After the Radiofrequency Ablation procedure, patients are monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no complications. Most patients can return to their normal activities the day after the procedure, but some may require a few days of rest. Pain relief may not be immediate and can take up to two weeks to fully manifest. It is important to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by the healthcare team to ensure a smooth recovery.
Why Choose Dr. George Macrinici At Advanced Pain And Spine Management?
If you are considering RFA for your spine-related pain, it is essential to find an experienced and skilled practitioner to perform the procedure. Dr. George Macrinici at Advanced Pain and Spine Management is a board-certified pain management specialist who has extensive experience in using RFA to treat a wide range of spine-related conditions. Dr. Macrinici takes a patient-centered approach to care, working closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their individual needs.
If you are experiencing spine-related pain, radiofrequency ablation may be an effective treatment option for you. To ensure the best possible outcome, it is essential to find an experienced and skilled practitioner to perform the procedure. Dr. George Macrinici at Advanced Pain and Spine Management is a board-certified pain management specialist with extensive experience using RFA to treat various spine-related conditions. Contact him today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how RFA can help you find relief from your pain.