Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

The Game-Changing Solution for Lasting Pain Relief

Chronic pain can significantly disrupt daily life, making even simple tasks unbearable. At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we specialize in interventional pain management that provides innovative solutions like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to help patients manage and alleviate chronic pain. Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure offering long-lasting relief, especially for conditions like joint pain, back pain, neck pain, cancer-related pain and neuropathic pain.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses electrical energy to heat specific nerve tissue. The goal is to disable pain signals being sent to the brain, providing significant relief for patients suffering from pain conditions. RFA can be useful to avoid surgery in many instances.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

During an RFA procedure, a thin needle is guided to the targeted nerve using imaging technology such as X-rays or ultrasonography. Once the needle is positioned near the affected nerve, a small electrode delivers energy to heat and target specifically the pain conducting nerve fibers. By disrupting these signals, the brain no longer perceives the pain from the treated area.

The procedure is typically performed on a day-care basis, meaning patients can go home the same day. Local anesthesia and/or sedation are used to ensure comfort throughout the process.

Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation

RFA is effective for a variety of chronic pain conditions, making it a versatile option for pain management. Some of the most common conditions treated with RFA include:

Back Pain – Pain arising from the joints of back like facet joints and sacroiliac joints can be best treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Neck pain – Often neck pain is caused by arthritis of facet joints or whiplash injuries and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the choice of treatment for neck pain originating from these conditions.
Joint pain – Pain originating from the knees, hips, shoulders and other joints can be very well treated with radiofrequency ablation and thereby reducing the need for major joint surgeries.
Nerve-related pain – Pain from nerve damage or irritation, such as painful diabetic neuropathy, CRPS, etc. can be very well managed with RFA.
Trigeminal Neuralgia – Also known as suicidal disease, responsible for severe, episodic or continuos electric shock like pain over the face or forehead.
Cancer pain – One of the most debilitating pain can be taken care of by RFA if medications are unable to provide adequate pain relief.

Key Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

1. Minimally Invasive Procedure – meaning it needs only needle insertion and no cut or incision is required.

2. Long-Lasting Pain Relief – Patients can experience relief for months to years after RFA.

3. Quick Recovery Time – Unlike surgery, RFA has a relatively short recovery period. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a couple of days of the procedure.

4. Reduced Need for Medications – RFA helps reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing pain medication, offering a more sustainable and side-effect-free solution for managing chronic pain.

5. Safe and Effective Treatment – RFA is a well-established and safe procedure with a low risk of complications. There is a significant lesser risk of side effects and complications compared to surgery.

6. Improved Quality of Life – Patients who undergo RFA often report significant improvements in their quality of life, including better sleep, improved mobility, and a more positive outlook on life.

7. Personalized Treatment to Each Patient’s Needs
At the Mitigate Pain Clinic, we understand that every patient’s pain is unique. We tailor the treatment to each patient’s specific pain source. We work closely with patients to develop personalized pain management plans that deliver optimal results.

The Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure at Mitigate Pain Clinic

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we follow a patient-centered approach to ensure comfort and safety during the RFA procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation and Evaluation: Before proceeding with RFA, a thorough consultation is conducted to determine if the procedure is appropriate.
Procedure Preparation: Patients are usually advised about fasting and changes in ongoing medications like blood thinners if necessary.
The Ablation Process: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the treatment area and after that a special RFA needle is placed near the affected nerve and administers the radiofrequency energy to ablate the nerve fibers.
Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, patients are monitored for a short time before being discharged. Some pain relieving medicines may be given for a few days after RFA.

Are You a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

RFA is an excellent option for those who have not found relief from conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications or steroid injections. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) at Mitigate Pain Clinic offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution for chronic pain management. With long-lasting relief and a quick recovery time, RFA can significantly improve your quality of life.

FAQs About Radiofrequency Ablation

Pain relief from RFA can last anywhere from a few months to years, depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients experience minimal discomfort. Some mild soreness may be felt after the procedure but typically resolves quickly.

Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days, but it's best to avoid strenuous exercise for about a week.

RFA is a safe procedure, but as with any medical treatment, there are minor risks, including temporary numbness or infection at the injection site.

The success rate for RFA is very high, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improvement in their quality of life.

If necessary, RFA can be repeated after the effects wear off, but this will depend on the patient’s condition and the recommendations of their physician.

Radiofrequency Ablation