Radiofrequency ablation involves radio waves to deliver heat to targeted nerve tissues. This heat heats up and destroys the nerves and results in blocking the transmission of pain signals from the spine to the brain.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

The best benefits of radiofrequency ablation include –

• It is an outpatient procedure

• It is a minimally-invasive procedure

• The results are fast

• The procedure can be repeated if more pain relief is needed

• Majority of patients experience profound pain relief

• The procedure has shown a greater reduction in back pain compared to conventional treatment options

• Pain relief lasts for 6 to 12 months after the procedure

• Radiofrequency ablation has been used successfully to treat conditions, including –

o Arthritis pain

o Neck pain

o Lower back pain

o Cervical facet joint pain

o Degenerative Disc Disease

How long does pain relief from radiofrequency ablation last?

The degree of pain relief varies, depending on the cause and location of the pain. Pain relief from radiofrequency ablation can last up to 12 months and in some cases, relief can last for years. More than 70% of patients treated with RFA experience pain relief.

Radiofrequency Ablation has proven to be a safe and effective way to treat chronic pain in a variety of conditions. The procedure has been found to be generally well-tolerated, with very few associated complications.

Are you a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

If you suffer from chronic pain, ask your pain specialist to see if radiofrequency ablation is right for you.

Patients, suffering from chronic pain and related symptoms, and who have not experienced relief with conservative treatments may benefit from radiofrequency ablation procedure. A skilled and experienced pain management specialist at a pain management clinic will be able to determine if radiofrequency ablation is a suitable procedure to treat your pain. Before recommending radiofrequency ablation, your pain doctor will ask how long and which conservative treatment options have been used.

If the patient’s pain doesn’t get relieved with medications, exercise and other conservative treatments, the pain doctor would ask whether the conservative treatments were utilized for a minimum of 4 to 6 months prior to being referred to a pain clinic.

If you have any questions about interventional pain management, call the leading pain doctors in Arizona at Desert Interventional Spine Consultants (DISC) at 480-838-1914. Pain management doctors at one of the top pain clinics in Arizona, East Valley Pain Center, are committed to providing the highest quality spine care with cutting edge interventional pain treatments and precise diagnostic tests.