Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to disrupt pain signals from nerves, offering long-lasting relief for chronic back, neck, knee, and joint pain when other treatments fail.
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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, involves heating a small portion of nerve tissue by radio waves to impede the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals to your brain.
• RFA for chronic neck pain through cervical facet joint RFA.
• Chronic SI joint pain relief via sacroiliac joint RFA procedure or SI joint lateral branch RFA.
• Knee pain treatment with RFA.
• Radiofrequency ablation for trigeminal neuralgia-induced facial pain.
• RFA for nerve pain in the periphery.
• Other uses: radiofrequency ablation for cancer (RFA for spinal tumors), RFA for heart arrhythmia, RFA for varicose veins.
Dr. Abraham deals with the following nerves through a radiofrequency ablation procedure:
• Medial branch RFA (cervical/thoracic/lumber): Facet joints connect the vertebrae in your spine and enable the movement of your back, and provide flexibility to your vertebrae. The facet joints are connected to two minor nerves, known as medial branch nerves, which transmit a signal to the brain indicating that pain is coming from these joints.
• SI joint lateral branch RFA: Sacroiliac joints are situated at the base of the vertebrae. Pain signals are transmitted from the spine to the brain by lateral branch nerves that are connected to these joints.
The medial branch radiofrequency ablation or SI joint radiofrequency ablation reduces the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
• Genicular nerve RFA (knee): The genicular nerves are tiny sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. Treating these nerves can alleviate pain and enhance function in patients who suffer from chronic knee pain, which is frequently caused by arthritis or knee surgery.
In genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation, a specialized instrument is used to apply heat to the genicular nerves, thereby disrupting their ability to transmit pain signals.
To verify the source and severity of your pain, Dr. Abraham will perform a diagnostic block test, which is used to predict the potential extent of your pain relief. The block involves the injection of a local anesthetic in nearby areas of the pain. For those who do not experience substantial alleviation from the diagnostic block, RFA may not be advantageous. Dr. Abraham considers RFA if you show a positive response to the diagnostic block.
• Chronic pain that is unresponsive to conventional treatments, including physical therapy and pain medication.
• You may not be a suitable candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you are pregnant, have an infection, or have a bleeding issue.
• Next, he will insert a thin needle into the region where pain is experienced. The needle placement is guided by a real-time continuous X-ray known as fluoroscopy.
• Dr. Abraham will conduct a test to verify that the needle is in the correct position after it has reached the intended site.
• The test involves the insertion of a microelectrode through the needle. Dr. Abraham will inquire whether you are experiencing a tingling sensation, discomfort, or a muscle spasm. This indicates that the appropriate location has been identified for treatment.
• The target area is numbed by injecting a local anesthetic through the catheter.
• Dr. Abraham will heat the identified nerve with a radiofrequency current transmitted through the catheter.
• The current disrupts the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals to the brain by destroying the affected region.
• The procedure can be performed on multiple nerves, if necessary.
• Take a rest at home.
• Avoid driving or any strenuous activities for 24 hours following the procedure.
• Following a day or two, you can resume your typical routine, which may include bathing or showering.
• You may continue to experience muscle spasms, discomfort, or soreness at the treatment site for a few days. Dr. Abraham will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the soreness and pain.
• During your first day of recovery at home, you can also apply an ice pack to the injection site for 20 minutes.
• Dr. Abraham may recommend physical therapy to regain flexibility and strength.
• You'll also have a follow-up session to discuss your progress and answer your questions.
• No need for surgery.
• Minimal or no recovery time.
• Reduced need for pain medication.
• Enhanced functionality.
• Resume regular activities after a day or two of rest.
You may experience temporary numbness at the site of the needle's insertion.
The likelihood of risks of radiofrequency ablation is exceedingly low. It is uncommon to experience additional complications of RFA, such as infection and hemorrhage at the needle insertion site.
If chronic pain limits your life, Dr. Abraham, board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at New England Advanced Spine and Pain Center for regenerative medicine, provides safe, effective relief with RFA. Schedule your consultation today.
What is radiofrequency ablation?
RFA offers long-term alleviation from chronic pain, particularly in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints, that have not been effectively addressed by alternative treatments.Conditions treated with radiofrequency ablation:
• Radiofrequency ablation for back pain through lumbar RFA procedure and medial branch RFA.• RFA for chronic neck pain through cervical facet joint RFA.
• Chronic SI joint pain relief via sacroiliac joint RFA procedure or SI joint lateral branch RFA.
• Knee pain treatment with RFA.
• Radiofrequency ablation for trigeminal neuralgia-induced facial pain.
• RFA for nerve pain in the periphery.
• Other uses: radiofrequency ablation for cancer (RFA for spinal tumors), RFA for heart arrhythmia, RFA for varicose veins.
How does RFA work?
The radio waves are transmitted through the needle to the targeted nerve. The heat induces a lesion that obstructs the nerve from transmitting pain signals to the brain. The procedure does not cause any injury to the healthy nerves in the surroundings.Spinal pain management by RFA:
Radiofrequency ablation alleviates pain originating from joints, such as the knee, or pain associated with a spine problem, particularly the neck and lower back (lumbar region).Dr. Abraham deals with the following nerves through a radiofrequency ablation procedure:
• Medial branch RFA (cervical/thoracic/lumber): Facet joints connect the vertebrae in your spine and enable the movement of your back, and provide flexibility to your vertebrae. The facet joints are connected to two minor nerves, known as medial branch nerves, which transmit a signal to the brain indicating that pain is coming from these joints.
• SI joint lateral branch RFA: Sacroiliac joints are situated at the base of the vertebrae. Pain signals are transmitted from the spine to the brain by lateral branch nerves that are connected to these joints.
The medial branch radiofrequency ablation or SI joint radiofrequency ablation reduces the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
• Genicular nerve RFA (knee): The genicular nerves are tiny sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. Treating these nerves can alleviate pain and enhance function in patients who suffer from chronic knee pain, which is frequently caused by arthritis or knee surgery.
In genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation, a specialized instrument is used to apply heat to the genicular nerves, thereby disrupting their ability to transmit pain signals.
• Dorsal Rami Communicant RFA: The dorsal ramus of spinal nerve is one of two major branches of a spinal nerve that emerge after the spinal nerve exists the intervertebral foramen. The dorsal ramus carries information that supplies muscles and sensation to the back.
What occurs before a radiofrequency ablation procedure?
Dr. Abraham will conduct an examination for you and order X-rays or other imaging tests, evaluate the severity of any spinal injuries or arthritis, and rule out any other potential causes.To verify the source and severity of your pain, Dr. Abraham will perform a diagnostic block test, which is used to predict the potential extent of your pain relief. The block involves the injection of a local anesthetic in nearby areas of the pain. For those who do not experience substantial alleviation from the diagnostic block, RFA may not be advantageous. Dr. Abraham considers RFA if you show a positive response to the diagnostic block.
Who is a suitable candidate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?
• If you are experiencing pain relief after a nerve block injection, radiofrequency ablation for back pain may be an appropriate treatment option. This informs your provider that the specific nerve is the source of your pain and is a suitable target for RFA.• Chronic pain that is unresponsive to conventional treatments, including physical therapy and pain medication.
• You may not be a suitable candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you are pregnant, have an infection, or have a bleeding issue.
What happens during a radiofrequency ablation procedure?
• Dr. Abraham will apply a local anesthetic to the area of your skin where the needle will be inserted.• Next, he will insert a thin needle into the region where pain is experienced. The needle placement is guided by a real-time continuous X-ray known as fluoroscopy.
• Dr. Abraham will conduct a test to verify that the needle is in the correct position after it has reached the intended site.
• The test involves the insertion of a microelectrode through the needle. Dr. Abraham will inquire whether you are experiencing a tingling sensation, discomfort, or a muscle spasm. This indicates that the appropriate location has been identified for treatment.
• The target area is numbed by injecting a local anesthetic through the catheter.
• Dr. Abraham will heat the identified nerve with a radiofrequency current transmitted through the catheter.
• The current disrupts the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals to the brain by destroying the affected region.
• The procedure can be performed on multiple nerves, if necessary.
How long does RFA last?
The duration of radiofrequency ablation varies from 15 minutes to two hours, depending on the number of treatments performed and the location of the treatment.What occurs during recovery after RFA?
• You will be permitted to return home shortly following your radiofrequency ablation procedure.• Take a rest at home.
• Avoid driving or any strenuous activities for 24 hours following the procedure.
• Following a day or two, you can resume your typical routine, which may include bathing or showering.
• You may continue to experience muscle spasms, discomfort, or soreness at the treatment site for a few days. Dr. Abraham will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the soreness and pain.
• During your first day of recovery at home, you can also apply an ice pack to the injection site for 20 minutes.
• Dr. Abraham may recommend physical therapy to regain flexibility and strength.
• You'll also have a follow-up session to discuss your progress and answer your questions.
What are the benefits of radiofrequency ablation?
• RFA for pain relief.• No need for surgery.
• Minimal or no recovery time.
• Reduced need for pain medication.
• Enhanced functionality.
• Resume regular activities after a day or two of rest.
What are the radiofrequency ablation side effects?
During the procedure, you may experience pain at the site, similar to the sensation before the procedure. The discomfort may persist for one to two weeks and may be alleviated by applying ice packs.You may experience temporary numbness at the site of the needle's insertion.
The likelihood of risks of radiofrequency ablation is exceedingly low. It is uncommon to experience additional complications of RFA, such as infection and hemorrhage at the needle insertion site.
What is the radiofrequency ablation effectiveness?
The majority experience some degree of pain alleviation following radiofrequency ablation; the extent of this relief depends upon the cause of the pain and the location affected. Pain relief may be immediate for some individuals, occur within 10 days for others, or take up to three weeks for others. Pain relief may persist for six to twelve months or for several years.If chronic pain limits your life, Dr. Abraham, board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at New England Advanced Spine and Pain Center for regenerative medicine, provides safe, effective relief with RFA. Schedule your consultation today.