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A Closer Look at Radiofrequency Ablation
If you’re experiencing pain that’s lasted for 3-6 months or longer, you’re one of the roughly 20% of adults in the United States who’ve endured chronic pain. As a result, you’re probably not leading as full or active a life as you’d like.
If conservative treatments — like rest, over-the-counter medication, and physical therapy — haven’t done the trick, radiofrequency ablation may be your next best bet.
Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill take a personalized and comprehensive approach to painful spine-related conditions. Our orthopedic surgeons provide a range of treatments for back pain, neck pain, and athletic injuries, including radiofrequency ablation.
Take a few moments to learn more about this minimally invasive pain treatment.
Common causes of spine-related pain
Pain can be a complex issue, caused and worsened by a range of factors. You might have a chronic condition like arthritis, for example, that flares up after an injury. Similarly, an injury from sports or a car accident could lead to the ongoing pain of post-traumatic arthritis.
Conditions that commonly fuel pain in your back, neck, or both include:
- Disc herniation
- Muscle strains
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Radiculopathy (compressed nerve)
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Vertebral fractures
- Whiplash
You can also develop chronic back or neck pain as a result of lifestyle habits, such as maintaining poor posture, overexercising, or leading a sedentary lifestyle.
How radiofrequency ablation reduces pain
Radiofrequency ablation doesn’t cure the underlying cause of pain, but it can keep you from experiencing those bothersome sensations. During the procedure, your provider sends heat signals or thermal energy to affected nerves using a needlelike probe. This disconnects the nerves to block pain signals between the treatment area and your brain. Radiofrequency ablation waves can also target surrounding tissue, killing off cells that cause pain reactions.
What to expect after radiofrequency ablation
As a short and minimally invasive procedure, radiofrequency ablation doesn’t require general anesthesia or significant recovery time. You may receive a medication for added emotional ease prior to your treatment, along with a lidocaine-like local anesthesia for numbness. In general, you can expect to get back to your usual daily activities within 24 hours.
After radiofrequency ablation, most people notice reduced pain within 4-6 weeks. Some people notice immediate benefits. Regardless, the goal is pain relief that lasts for at least 9-12 months.
As your nerves and cells regenerate, your pain may return. In that case, you can likely schedule another session. Your provider will recommend an ideal treatment regimen based on your overall health, symptoms, and response to your first treatment.
To learn more about radiofrequency ablation or find out if you’re a good candidate, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.