Do you have chronic pain? Have pain management methods such as medication, physical therapy, or injections been unsuccessful? Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can help.
Read on to learn more about the process.
Overview of Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation
Nerve fibers are responsible for carrying pain signals from inflamed or injured joints to the brain. Neuroablation uses radio waves to destroy specific nerves to relieve chronic pain. Most commonly, nerve ablation is used to treat pain associated with joints in the spine (also known as facet joints). Facet joints are small joints between the vertebrae of the spine that are responsible for the movement and stability of the spine.
When is nerve ablation performed?
The procedure is usually performed on patients who have not been relieved by other pain management methods such as medication, physical therapy, or injections.
The following conditions are often treated with nerve ablation:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome– Pain persists despite spinal surgery
- Spondylosis – osteoarthritis that causes facet joint degeneration
- Lumbago – pain in the lower back
- neck pain – pain in the neck
- scoliosis– Abnormal curvature of the spine
Radiofrequency ablation should not be done on people who have an infection, are pregnant, or have bleeding problems.
What does the procedure involve?
Nerve ablation surgery involves the use of special needles that are inserted through the skin into the site of the inner branching nerve under continuous X-ray guidance. Once the needle is in place, a sensory test is performed by passing a small electric current to induce discomfort to confirm that the needle is correctly positioned. Next, a specialized machine heats the needle tip to 90 degrees Celsius for 60 seconds to destroy the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the joint to the brain.
Benefits of Nerve Ablation
The benefits of nerve ablation are many. First and foremost, it can provide significant pain relief to patients suffering from chronic pain associated with facet joints. Nerve ablation can improve their quality of life and allow them to engage in activities they previously avoided due to pain, such as exercising.
Additionally, nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require lengthy hospital stays or recovery periods, which is attractive to patients looking for a quick and effective pain management solution.
How long do the results last?
It is important to note that nerve ablation is not a permanent solution for chronic pain. While the surgery can provide significant pain relief for a few months to a year or more, the damaged nerve will eventually regenerate and the pain may return.
How to Choose a Pain Management Practice
When considering nerve ablation as a pain management option, it is important to choose a pain management practice that is experienced and qualified to perform the procedure. Here are some factors to consider:
board certification
Make sure the pain management practice is board certified and has a team of qualified and experienced pain management specialists. At Pain Centers of America, we have dedicated physicians, a state-of-the-art surgery center, medication monitoring, a CLIA-certified laboratory, and the most comprehensive pain management experience of any practice in the region.you can take a closer look
certified Information about every doctor on our website.
professional knowledge
Find a pain management clinic with experience specializing in nerve ablation procedures for the type of pain you’re experiencing. Our team at Pain Treatment Centers of America has 300 years of combined experience in pain management.
reputation
Seek a referral from your primary care physician, friend, or family member who has had successful nerve ablation procedures in the past. You can also check online reviews and ratings to see the reputation of a pain management practice.Pain Treatment Centers of America is a BBB accredited business and you can read patient testimonials
here.
technology
Ensure pain management practices use the latest technology and equipment to perform nerve ablation procedures. Advanced technology can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of surgery and reduce the risk of complications. All of our qualified doctors and staff are equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide the best possible pain management treatment.
communicate
Choose a pain management practice that communicates effectively with patients, listens to their concerns, and explains the procedure and potential risks in detail. A pain management practice should be able to answer your questions and provide clear instructions on how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during and after surgery. We outline the following procedures in detail:
Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation and
Knee Nerve Ablation So that you are fully prepared when you arrive at your appointment.
location and availability
Consider the location of a pain management clinic and whether an appointment is available that fits your schedule. Choosing a clinic with a convenient location and a flexible schedule can make surgery less stressful and make it easier to follow up with your pain management specialist after surgery. For your convenience, our Pain Centers of America has 15 locations in Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.
In summary
Nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide significant pain relief to patients with chronic pain associated with the facet joints of the spine. While the surgery is not a permanent solution, it can provide relief for several months to a year or more, allowing patients to return to normal activities and avoid more invasive procedures such as surgery. As with any medical procedure, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced medical professional to perform the procedure and to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best pain management method for your individual needs.
If you are wondering if radiofrequency nerve ablation is right for you, please feel free to call us for more information: (844) 215-0731 today.exist
Pain Treatment Center As a member of America, we are committed to helping you restore your quality of life.
