Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment For Pain
Persistent pain can significantly affect one’s quality of life, restricting daily activities and diminishing overall well-being. As individuals seek effective pain management, diverse medical advancements offer hope and relief for those exploring alternatives to conventional treatments.
Among these innovations, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) has emerged as a promising technique for alleviating pain and restoring a sense of normalcy to individuals grappling with persistent discomfort.
In this blog, we will dive into the transformative impact of Radiofrequency Ablation treatment for pain relief.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a non-surgical medical procedure in which radio waves are sent through a precisely placed needle to heat a nerve area. This destroys that area of nerve tissue, preventing it from transmitting signals of pain to the brain.
Radiofrequency Ablation is commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as:
- Pain in your neck, back, and knee
- Pain caused by arthritis of the spine
- Peripheral nerve pain
The purpose is to achieve extended pain relief, occasionally lasting for several years.
Additionally, it can help treat cancer pain, heart rhythm problems, and tumours by killing cells.
What are the Advantages of RFA?
Advantages of RFA include:
- Effective, long-lasting pain relief
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Little to no recovery time.
- Reduced dependency on pain medications
- Improved functionality of the pain-affected part
- Carries less risk of complications
- Helps avoid the need for surgery
- Return to daily life in one or two days
Who Is A Suitable Candidate For Radiofrequency Ablation?
Candidates for Radiofrequency Ablation typically include individuals who:
- Experience significant temporary relief from a nerve block injection but require a more lasting solution for long-term pain.
- Have chronic pain that remains unresponsive to other treatments, like pain medication or physical therapy.
However, if you are pregnant or have a bleeding problem or infection, then you might not be suitable for RFA.
How is RFA Performed?
During Radiofrequency Ablation, the patient is positioned on the procedure table, and vital signs are monitored. Medications may be given before the procedure for relaxation.
- The skin over the targeted area is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area.
- A hollow needle is carefully inserted through the skin using imaging guidance and is positioned near the targeted nerve.
- Once the needle is placed on the specific nerve, an electrode is passed through the hand, and an electric current is passed next to the targeted nerve, which may cause the slightest pain to the patient, and heat is created on the nerve.
This process may be repeated on other nerves, and the whole treatment takes about 30-90 minutes to complete.
How Does One Care After Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment for Pain?
After Radiofrequency Ablation treatment for pain, follow these care guidelines:
- You may encounter pain, soreness, or muscle spasms at the site of treatment for a few days, for which pain medications will be prescribed.
- Refrain from strenuous activities for 24 hours post-procedure.
- You can resume normal activities, including bathing or showering, within a day or two.
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised post-procedure care instructions based on your specific situation and the area treated.
Consult Dr EL Toukhy for Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment for Pain Management
Dr Mohamed El Toukhy is a renowned pain management specialist, bringing years of expertise to offer effective, non-surgical solutions for chronic and debilitating pain.
Take a step towards freedom from pain through Radiofrequency Ablation treatment in Dubai by consulting with Dr. El Toukhy.
FAQs
1. How long does it take for nerves to die after radiofrequency ablation?
Nerves targeted during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) typically take about 2 to 4 weeks to degenerate and cease transmitting pain signals.
2. Is radiofrequency ablation painful?
The procedure itself is usually well-tolerated, and any discomfort is minimised with local anaesthesia. Some patients may experience temporary soreness at the treatment site post-procedure.
3. How successful is radiofrequency ablation for back pain?
Radiofrequency ablation is often successful in providing long-term relief for back pain, particularly when other conservative treatments have not been effective. Success rates vary among individuals.
4. Does RFA work immediately?
While some patients experience immediate pain relief after radiofrequency ablation, it often takes ten days after having the procedure to have pain relief finally.