Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to destroy tissue. For pain management, radio waves are sent through a precisely placed needle to heat an area of the nerve. This prevents pain signals from being sent back to your brain. RFA is considered for long-term pain conditions, especially of the neck, lower back or arthritic joints that haven’t been successfully treated with other methods.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called radiofrequency neurotomy, uses radio waves to create a current that heats a small area of nerve tissue. The heat destroys that area of the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals to your brain. RFA can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck and arthritic joints.
Why is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) done?
The goals of radiofrequency ablation are to:
- Stop or reduce pain.
- Improve function.
- Reduce the number of pain medications taken.
- Avoid or delay surgery.
What conditions can be treated with radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat:
- Chronic pain caused by conditions including arthritis of the spine- neck, mid back, or low back- (spondylosis) and sacroiliac (SI) joint pain.
How does radiofrequency ablation work?
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat produced from radio waves to target diseased tissue. When radiofrequency is applied to nerve tissue, it stops the pain signals from reaching the brain, resulting in pain relief.
During a radiofrequency ablation, a small needle is inserted into the targeted nerve that is causing pain. An electrode is inserted into the top of the needle, which sends the radio waves through the needle to the targeted nerve. The heat causes a lesion that prevents the nerve from transmitting pain signals.
Who is a candidate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be right for you if have:
- Pain relief following a nerve block injection. This tells your provider that that particular nerve is the source of your pain and is an appropriate target for RFA.
- Chronic pain that does not respond to other treatment, such as pain medication and physical therapy.
How long is the radiofrequency ablation procedure?
Radiofrequency ablation takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
What are the advantages of radiofrequency ablation?
Advantages of radiofrequency ablation include:
- Pain relief.
- No surgery.
- Little to no recovery time.
- Decreased need for pain medications.
- Improved function.
- Return to regular activities after a day or two of rest.
How effective is radiofrequency ablation?
Most people have significant pain relief after radiofrequency ablation, but the amount varies by cause of pain and location. Pain relief can be immediate in some people, occur within 10 days in other people or may take up to three weeks in others.
Pain relief can last from six months to 12 months. For some people, the relief lasts a few years. Others may have only limited pain relief.
The treated nerve will regrow. If this happens, it usually happens about six to 12 months after the procedure. Radiofrequency ablation can be repeated if needed.