Radiofrequency Ablation

What Is A Radiofrequency Ablation Injection?

Radiofrequency ablations (RFA’s) are a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain. An RFA is an injection that uses radio-frequency energy to disrupt the ability of specific nerves that send pain signals to the brain. Radio frequency energy is a type of controlled heat that targets specific nerves in order to manage and minimize chronic pain.  

The use of thermal heat is the most commonly applied route for an RFA. The physician inserts a needle in the spinal region, and then a mild electric current is sent through the needle. 

A Radiofrequency Ablation is usually performed by a physician who specializes in pain management. If a patient’s pain has not improved with conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy, an RFA can be an ideal option.

Some conditions require patients to pursue consistent comprehensive pain management care such as: 

If a patient is experiencing the following symptoms, they may be a candidate for an RFA procedure: 

What Happens During A Radiofrequency Ablation 

Used to treat chronic back pain, an RFA targets specific nerves with electrical current. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic.  

The physician will use guided fluoroscopy to insert a small needle into the general area the patient is experiencing pain. The fluoroscopy assists the physician in determining the precise nerves that need to be “burned” in order to begin relief to the patient.  

An Radiofrequency Ablation usually produces long term relief for many patients, lasting months to even years.

What Happens After A Radio Frequency Ablation

After the physician has completed the procedure, the patient will be monitored for a short amount of time. Most patients are able to walk around comfortably after a Radiofrequency Ablation. Patients are still required to be driven home by a driver. Pain relief is typically experienced within 10 days of an radio frequency ablation (if not sooner). Patients are encouraged to limit their activity for a few days after their procedure. A patient may experience slight bruising or soreness, but this is normal.

The Radiofrequency Ablation usually provides successful results for many patients, but the duration may differ.  Some patients experience modest relief for a few months. Other patients experience relief from their pain for several months to years. Each individual may respond to the injection differently producing different results. But for the chronic pain patient, even modest relief is a welcomed reprieve.

How To Get Started

If you would like more information about Radiofrequency Ablation injections or our back pain specialists, please call Pain and Spine Specialists and speak to our dedicated team to improve the quality of your life. You can call (301) 703-8767 (Maryland Locations), (724) 603-3560 (Pennsylvania Locations), or (540) 433-1905 (Virginia Locations) and schedule an appointment today.