Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist

What are radiofrequency ablation treatments?

Radiofrequency ablation is an innovative, pain-relieving treatment that uses heat energy to stop damaged nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. The team at International Spine Pain & Performance Center uses radiofrequency ablation to treat the medial and lateral branch nerves that extend from your facet and sacroiliac joints.

Radiofrequency ablation treatment is safe. While your medial nerves do control some of the small muscles in your lower back, testing and studies show that ablation treatments in this area don’t affect your mobility.

The pain experts at ISPP Center often combine radiofrequency ablation with other treatments such as physical therapy. While radiofrequency ablation stops the pain, it doesn’t heal your body or restore your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

What conditions improve with radiofrequency ablation treatments?

Depending on the condition causing your pain, the doctors at International Spine Pain & Performance Center may use radiofrequency ablation to treat chronic pain in your back caused by arthritis and sacroiliitis. It may also be an effective treatment for pain in your knees, pelvis, or peripheral nerve pain.

Radiofrequency ablation can reduce your need for pain-relieving medicines. It also reduces your risk of needing surgery. The treatment provides almost immediate relief, requires little downtime to recover, and helps you get back to your regular activities quickly.

What should I expect during a radiofrequency ablation treatment?

Your doctor begins a radiofrequency ablation treatment by providing intravenous (IV) sedation to help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Then, they cleanse and numb the skin around the area where they plan to insert the radiofrequency needle.

When your preparation is complete, your doctor uses fluoroscopy — a special type of X-ray — to guide the radiofrequency ablation needle to the malfunctioning nerve. When the needle is in place, your doctor turns on the radiofrequency energy. The energy heats the malfunctioning nerve and damages it to prevent future pain signals from being sent to your brain.

You should be able to get up and walk around immediately after your radiofrequency ablation treatment, although you’ll need someone to drive you home as the effects of your sedation may linger.

If you live with chronic pain, call International Spine Pain & Performance Center or schedule a consultation online today to find out how radiofrequency ablation can relieve your pain.