Radiofrequency Ablation

GET ON WITH YOUR LIFE WITH THIS TREATMENT

Imagine a procedure that could treat your back pain and allow you to return to your normal activities! All of this is possible using the Radiofrequency technology provided in the office setting by your physician. Over two million patients are treated each year. Lower back pain is the second leading cause for a patients visit to a pain management specialist.

Radiofrequency Lesioning

Clinical data shows that radiofrequency lesioning can effectively provide lasting pain relief. Radiofrequency lesioning (RFL) is a safe, proven means of interrupting pain signals Radiofrequency current is to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals from that specific area.

A Typical Procedure

A physician in an operating room setting performs an RFL procedure. Both a mild sedative and local anesthesia may be used to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. You will need to be awake and alert during both the motor stimulation and sensory process to aid in properly pinpointing the placement of the lesioning electrode. Throughout the procedure you will be lying on your stomach or back, depending on the approach your doctor will take. After the local anesthesia has been administered, your doctor will insert a small needle into the general area where you are experiencing pain. Under the guidance of x-ray, she will guide the needle to the exact target area. A microelectrode is then inserted through the needle to begin the stimulation sensation. The object of the stimulation process is to help your doctor determine if the electrode is in the optimal area for treatment, thus producing the most relief.

Once the needle and electrode placement is established, treatment is ready to begin. A small radiofrequency current will travel through the electrode into the surrounding tissue, causing tissue to heat and eliminate the pain pathways. You should alert your physician at any time you experience any type of discomfort.

After the Procedure

You may feel some soft tissue discomfort at the needle placement site after treatment of RFL. Like other soft tissue wounds, this will feel better in a few days. You may return to your regular diet soon after the RFL. RFL typically blocks pain signals for a extended period of time. However, your body may restore the pain pathways overtime. It is not unusual that the procedure need to be repeated. Your activities will not be limited with RFL. You will be able to return to your daily life, and to work, when you are ready. Any pre-existing restrictions you had prior to RFL may remain. As with any surgery, however minor, there are certain risks involved. Please ask your Physician for details regarding the potential risks with RFL.