Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive modality that is used to treat a range of conditions, from abnormal heart rhythms to cancer, but is a mainstay treatment for chronic pain complaints. RFA has been used to treat chronic neck and back arthritis pain for decades and more recently has been used for peripheral joint arthritis like in the hip and knee and even the lumbar disc area.For patients who have experienced successful pain relief through diagnostic nerve or pain receptor block injection, radiofrequency ablation could be a viable option for more long-term relief.
The procedure involves inserting a needleinto the bodyto a target nerve, usually under x-ray guidance. An electrode is placed into the needle and then a generator is used to produce electrical waves that heat the surrounding tissue causing the nerve to stop transmitting the pain message.
The greatest asset of radiofrequency ablation is that it is a nonsurgicalprocedure that is very effective in treating multiple joint pain complaints with essentially no recovery time.
Pain relief from RFA by Dr. Pannozzo typically last 12-15 months in the cervical or lumbar spines but sometimes much longer. Response for hip or knee arthritis pains are more variable because there are more nerves to these joints and not all can be ablated.
The pain relief that patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation experience typically begins 1 to 3 weeks after the procedure. Rest is usually recommend for several days after the procedure, however patients can return to their normal activities as tolerated. Sometimes a guided physical therapy regimen will be recommended as many patients are de-conditioned due to chronic pain.The pain relief that patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation experience typically begins 1 to 3 weeks after the procedure. Rest is usually recommend for several days after the procedure, however patients can return to their normal activities as tolerated. Sometimes a guided physical therapy regimen will be recommended as many patients are de-conditioned due to chronic pain.
Radiofrequency ablation from Summa Pain Care offers patients a longer term option that can increase your quality of life and mobility.
As the premier pain management practice in Arizona, Summa Pain Care:
- Performs specialized tests for diagnosing your chronic pain conditions.
- Appropriately prescribes and/or manages medications for any unique condition at varying levels of severity. We also help reduce or eliminate your prescription pain medications.
Find your nearest location in Peoria, Phoenix or North Scottsdale today and don’t put this off any longer. Unaddressed back and neck pain generally does not improve. Call our Phoenix location at 623.580.4357 , you can reach Peoria at 623.776.8686 or contact us in North Scottsdale at 480.786.1771.