Have you considered getting a radiofrequency ablation procedure done for your chronic pain you have been feeling? Well, Tennessee Spine Specialists has the specialists who can perform this procedure and have you feeling better than ever in no time at all.
Our Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure done to relief chronic pain in a patient’s back, neck or joints. It is non-surgical and minimally invasive. It takes between 15-45 minutes depending on the patient and has very little recovery time.
First, during your radiofrequency ablation procedure you will be asked to sign all forms of consent and have time to speak with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have about your procedure.
Then, your doctor will prepare you for the procedure. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area, however, you may feel some discomfort because you will remain awake and aware during the procedure.
Next, the needle is inserted into the nerve for ablation with the aid of a fluoroscope as a the doctor directs a thin hollow needle into the area of pain.
Lastly, once the needle is in place, you will get a numbing medication. A heating current is passed through to create a small burn about the size of a cotton swab tip. The current destroys the portion of the nerve that transmits pain and disrupts the pain- producing signals.
Success Rate of Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure used primarily in pain management to treat chronic pain conditions. By utilizing electrical currents produced by radio waves to heat up specific nerve tissues, the goal of RFA is to decrease pain signals from that particular area. While the technique can be applied in different parts of the body, it’s frequently used for spinal pain, especially that arising from the facet joints.
Success Rate of Radiofrequency Ablation:
- General Success Rates:
- The success rate of RFA varies based on the condition being treated and the population studied. For lumbar and cervical facet joint pain, success rates in the literature range from 50% to 90% for significant pain relief.
- “Success” is typically defined as a significant reduction in pain (often 50% or more) that leads to improved function and decreased reliance on pain medications.
- Duration of Relief:
- Pain relief after RFA can last from 6 months to 2 years. In some cases, the pain may never return. For others, if the nerve regenerates, the pain might come back, and the procedure can be repeated.
- Variability in Outcomes:
- The effectiveness of RFA can vary based on the skill of the practitioner, the accuracy of the prior diagnostic blocks (like medial branch blocks for facet joint pain), the anatomical area being treated, and the specific cause of the pain.
- Considerations:
- It’s crucial to undergo appropriate diagnostic procedures, like medial branch blocks, before RFA to ensure that the targeted nerve is indeed the pain generator. Proper patient selection can enhance the success rates of RFA.
- Some patients may require a series of treatments or combination therapies to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Safety and Side Effects:
- RFA is generally considered safe, especially when performed by experienced practitioners using fluoroscopic guidance. Possible side effects include temporary pain at the site of the procedure, numbness, infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. However, severe complications are rare.
- Comparisons with Other Treatments:
- Compared to other treatments like long-term medication use or more invasive surgeries, RFA offers the benefit of targeting the specific nerve causing pain with fewer systemic side effects.
