Radiofrequency Ablation Hollywood
Discover Lasting Pain Relief
Do you struggle with ongoing pain in your neck or back? Our Hollywood team understands how your situation can affect your quality of life. We want to help you discover lasting relief! To that end, we offer a variety of minimally invasive treatments, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA). What exactly is RFA, and how does it work? Continue reading this page to learn more, or call our office to request a pain management consultation.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is also known as radiofrequency neurotomy. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio waves, which create a current of heat within the body. The heat destroys specific areas of nerve tissue, effectively stopping it from sending pain signals to the brain. RFA is often able to provide long-term relief for individuals who struggle with chronic pain in their neck, lumbar region (lower back), and arthritic joints.
In addition to reducing pain, RFA may also be able to improve function and mobility, reduce the number of pain medications taken, and help you to delay or possibly even avoid invasive surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
We might recommend RFA for you if you struggle with pain that has not responded well to more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medications. Some specific conditions that it may be able to help include:
- Facet joint pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain in the neck, back, or knees
- Peripheral nerve pain
In our orthopedic clinic, we use RFA to help with pain that originates from the spine or joints. In other settings, it might be used to shrink cancerous tumors or assist with heart rhythm problems.
To find out for sure if RFA might be suitable for you, visit our team for a consultation. After we learn about your situation, our Hollywood team can start formulating a custom treatment plan for pain management.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
Before you undergo RFA, you may need to receive a diagnostic nerve block, wherein we will inject a local anesthetic at the origin point of your pain. If you respond well to it, that means your nerves are the source of your discomfort, and RFA may be beneficial for you.
The RFA procedure itself is relatively easy for patients. You will need to lie on your stomach, and we will use ultrasound or another imaging technique to make sure that we reach the targeted area during your procedure. We will insert a small hollow needle, which will have an electrode at its top. The electrode will emit radio waves, causing heat that damages nerves cells and prevents them from emitting pain signals. We take great care so as not to damage nearby healthy nerve cells.
The RFA may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
You should have someone drive you home from your procedure. Set aside at least a full day to rest. You should be able to resume normal activities within a day or two.
Radiofrequency Ablation FAQs
What Does RFA Feel Like?
We administer local anesthetic to numb the injection area, so you should be fairly comfortable throughout your procedure. However, some patients notice a slight tingling or burning sensation as the radio waves contact the targeted nerve. You might also experience some pressure as the needle is inserted.
After your appointment, there is a possibility that you will experience temporary discomfort in the form of muscle spasms, hypersensitivity in the treated area, or numbness and burning. Soreness and tenderness at the injection site usually go away within a few days, and most patients are able to resume their normal activities within just 24 hours of their appointment.
When Will I Notice Results from Radiofrequency Ablation?
Different patients respond differently to RFA. Some notice almost immediate pain relief. Others notice reduced pain within a week or so, but it can take as long as three weeks for some patients to experience results. It can take a bit of time for the targeted nerve to stop sending pain signals to your brain.
If your pain has not been significantly reduced within a few weeks, call our team so we can assist you.
How Long Do the Results of RFA Last?
RFA is considered a long-term solution to pain, but it is important to note that the targeted nerve may eventually regenerate. Most people experience relief that lasts for at least 6 – 12 months. Some people even enjoy results that last for a few years.
You may choose to return for additional RFA treatment on the nerve; repeated RFA sessions are generally safe and can continue to provide good results, as long as the treatment sessions are spaced at least 6 months apart.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation might be a good fit for you if:
- You experience pain relief following a nerve block injection. This tells us that a particular nerve is the source of your pain and may respond well to RFA.
- You have chronic pain that has not responded well to other types of treatment, such as physical therapy or medications.
On the other hand, you may not be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Have an active infection.
- Have a bleeding disorder.
When you visit our Hollywood, FL, team, we will learn about your symptoms and strive to determine whether RFA or another pain relief measure would fit your unique circumstances.
Is Radiofrequency Ablation Considered Surgery?
No, radiofrequency ablation is not classified as a surgical procedure. It is minimally invasive and is a great choice for many patients with nerve pain who are not ready for surgical intervention.
