Radiofrequency Ablation

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat energy to destroy the nerves carrying pain signals to your brain. Disrupting the pain signal eases your discomfort and improves your quality of life. 

Am I a candidate for radiofrequency ablation?

You may be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you have chronic pain in your lower back, neck, or arthritic joints. However, before undergoing radiofrequency ablation, your provider at Michigan Advanced Pain & Spine first conducts a nerve block.

A nerve block is an injection of an anesthetic into the nerve suspected of causing your pain. If you get significant relief from your pain following a nerve block, you may benefit from radiofrequency ablation, which provides long-term pain relief. 

What are the types of radiofrequency ablations?

Michigan Advanced Pain & Spine offers many innovative interventional pain management treatments to help those suffering from chronic pain. They perform many types of radiofrequency ablations.

The type depends on the location of the procedure and includes:

Radiofrequency ablation of the cervical facet joints

For chronic neck pain, your provider performs radiofrequency ablation of the cervical facet joints. 

Radiofrequency ablation of the thoracic facet joints

Radiofrequency ablation of the thoracic facet joints eases chronic pain in the upper back.

Radiofrequency ablation of the lumbar facet joints

For lower back pain, the pain specialists perform radiofrequency ablation of the lumbar facet joints. 

Genicular nerve ablation

For arthritic knee pain, your provider at Michigan Advanced Pain & Spine performs genicular nerve ablation. 

What happens during a radiofrequency ablation?

Your provider at Michigan Advanced Pain & Spine customizes your radiofrequency ablation based on the location of your procedure. 

While lying on an X-ray table, your provider administers a sedative to help you relax. Then, using fluoroscopic-guided imaging, they insert a cannula near the area of the problematic nerve and send a mild electric jolt to ensure proper positioning of the cannula. 

Your provider then delivers the radiofrequency energy. They may treat more than one nerve at one time.

What results can I expect after radiofrequency ablation?

You may experience relief from your pain within 10 days following your radiofrequency ablation. Pain relief may last anywhere from nine months to more than two years.

Michigan Advanced Pain & Spine may suggest repeating radiofrequency ablation when your pain returns.

Find out more about radiofrequency ablation and how it may alleviate your chronic pain by calling Michigan Advanced Pain & Spine or scheduling an appointment online today.