Radiofrequency Ablation
What is the Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat an array of conditions, including chronic pain in the neck and lower back. This technique uses radiofrequency waves to heat a small area of the nerve in order to prevent pain signals from being delivered to your brain.
Meet Seaview Orthopaedics Pain Management Specialists
At Seaview Orthopaedics, our pain management specialists can help you alleviate pain with effective treatment and personalized care. If your pain is affecting your quality of life and you are ready to seek treatment, give us a call at 732-660-6200 or use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
If you find that you have severe neck or back pain that is preventing you from your day-to-day activities and you are not finding relief from pain medication or physical therapy, you may be a good candidate for this procedure.
Before receiving radiofrequency ablation, your physician will require a nerve block injection test to identify the source of your pain. Done under a live x-ray, this involves numbing the nerves around the affected area in order to test for potential pain relief. If the nerve block is successful in relieving pain on two separate occasions, your physician will then move forward with beginning the process for RFA.
How is the Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure Performed?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, performed by inserting a small needle into the area where the pain is located. An electrode is then inserted through the needle, and small waves of radiofrequency energy are emitted to heat up the targeted nerves, thus stopping the pain signals from reaching the brain.
How Long Does the Radiofrequency Ablation Take?
The RFA procedure can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the location and size of the targeted area. You will be able to go home shortly after the procedure.
How Long Does Radiofrequency Ablation Last?
Some patients will experience pain relief quickly after the procedure, for others it make take up to three weeks to feel the full effects. The relief can last anywhere from a year to a year and a half, though in some cases patients have experienced pain relief for several years following the procedure.
Radiofrequency Ablation Success Story
Laurie H., patient of Dr. Charles Daknis, experienced severe pain that left her unable to walk or perform her daily activities following a car accident. After undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation, Laurie is back to walking and her quality of life has significantly improved.
Schedule an Appointment for Radiofrequency Ablation in NJ
Seaview Orthopaedics has been providing quality orthopedic care to the Jersey Shore for over 40 years. If you have been suffering from chronic pain and are looking for treatment options, book an appointment with a pain management specialist at one of our six office locations throughout Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean counties.