Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation
What is radiofrequency nerve ablation?
Radiofrequency nerve ablation, or 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. The procedure is also known as rhizotomy.
Radiofrequency ablation was first used in 1931 to treat a patient with trigeminal neuralgia and is now used to effectively treat a variety of chronic pain conditions.
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When is radiofrequency nerve ablation used?
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. Conditions commonly treated include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Muscle pain
- Multiple other pain syndromes
The effectiveness of RFA may last from three to 12 months.
How is radiofrequency nerve ablation performed?
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require anesthesia. The procedure takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your pain.
- You will have a pre-consult evaluation to discuss your pain and course of treatment
- Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance may discuss other options in addition to RFA
- At the time of your RFA, Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance will help you feel comfortable on your stomach or on your side
- You may have an intravenous (IV) line so we can administer a sedative to relax you
- The site is cleaned and numbed
- Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance may choose to use digital imaging to help guide to the proper location
- A special radiofrequency needle will be directed alongside the target nerve
- A small amount of electrical current is passed through a probe in the needle to target the nerve
- Nearby healthy nerves are not damaged during the procedure
- You will need a ride home after the procedure
- After the procedure, you may experience soreness in the targeted area for a few days — ice can help relieve some discomfort
What are my options for radiofrequency nerve ablation?
Radiofrequency Thermo-Coagulation
Produces heat by current flow to target and reduce pain signals from the affected nerve.
Pulsed Radiofrequency
Performed in short pulses to reduce the target temperature by allowing for cooling of tissues between pulses.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation
RFA can:
- Decrease your pain
- Help to inhibit the transmission of pain messages to your brain
- Promote healing
- Improve quality of life in patients with limited mobility
- Treat inflammation
- Reduce the number of pain medications taken
- Avoid or delay surgery
Get the relief you deserve
If chronic neck, back, or joint pain is holding you back, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700 to find out if radiofrequency nerve ablation is right for you. Our team in Southeastern Wisconsin is here to help.