Ablation

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment to relieve chronic pain in places like your back and neck, as well as pain due to arthritis.

Radiofrequency ablation involves sending an electrical current through a needle and into your nerve tissues. The electrical current ablates (removes or deadens) the nerve, stopping its ability to send pain signals.

If you’ve had injections, and the treatment hasn’t helped, radiofrequency ablation at Apollo Pain Management could be a great alternative to achieve lasting relief.

What happens before radiofrequency ablation?

As an initial step, Dr. Warren recommends a test called a nerve block. During a nerve block, he systematically numbs certain nerves. This helps to identify the nerve or nerves that are the source of your pain so he can target them for ablation.

What happens during radiofrequency ablation?

The outpatient procedure is performed while you lie on an exam table. Dr. Warren will probably administer IV medication to help you relax.

Dr. Warren numbs the treatment area, then inserts a thin needle into the area where you feel pain. He often uses an X-ray to target the precise site of the nerve. He’ll ask you if you’re feeling any tingling in the area. This allows him to confirm the needle is in the right spot.

He then threads a microelectrode through the needle. The microelectrode sends a radiofrequency current to your nerve, heating the tissue to stop it from transmitting pain signals.

You could feel a tingling or buzzing sensation during treatment. The treatment can be repeated on other nerves as needed. Depending on the number of nerves being treated, the ablation procedure takes 30-90 minutes.

What happens after radiofrequency ablation?

You can usually go home the same day, but you should avoid driving or performing any strenuous activities that day. Dr. Warren walks you through what to expect in the days following the procedure as you heal.

Typically, you can resume your normal activities the next day. Although results vary, you could enjoy pain relief for 6-12 months after your procedure.

If injections haven’t helped your pain and you’ve been told you need surgery, radiofrequency ablation might be a minimally invasive alternative to give you pain relief. Find out more by calling today or booking a consultation online with Apollo Pain Management.