08 Jan Can Radiofrequency Ablation Help Patients Avoid Riskier Pain Management Approaches?
For many patients, avoiding prescription medication and surgery is paramount to a safe, full recovery from an injury. However, finding pain specialists who prioritize alternative therapies can be a challenge—that’s why Integrated Pain Consultants offers radiofrequency ablation as well as a host of additional alternative therapies. This minimally invasive procedure requires just local anesthetic and light sedation.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Works
A special live x-ray technique, called fluoroscopy, is used for this spinal injection designed to relieve pain instantly. The x-ray helps guide the needle into the right place to avoid nerve injuries. The process itself is quite simple. An IV provides sedation to the patient while the neck and back are cleaned. The injection point is numbed with a topical anesthetic, and the fluoroscopy directs the radiofrequency needle to nerves connected with the pain.
Just a small amount of electrical current is directed to the target nerve. All neighboring nerves are untouched. For a very short amount of time, the “same old” pain is felt, and this causes a twitch in the back or neck. This lets both the patient and physician know that the right spot has been targeted. Next, the nerves are numbed so that pain is minimized. In some cases, the pain stops completely. Simultaneously, a lesion is made.
The radiofrequency waves create the “heat lesion” to stop the particular nerve from sending pain signals to the brain. If additional nerves require treatment, they’re all usually handled in the same session. In total, most sessions take 30 – 90 minutes and require no overnight stays. It’s a fast and easy approach to managing pain that can be undertaken in a “lunchtime appointment.”
Radiofrequency Ablation Pain Treatment With Integrated Pain Consultants
Radiofrequency ablation can be used to treat many nerves that are causing pain in the body. Once a nerve is professionally “damaged” or seared during the therapy, they’re unable to ever send pain signals again. The procedure is fast, permanent, and poses no risks. Radiofrequency ablation is best for chronic pain for those who want to avoid the downtime related to surgery or the risks some medications pose. To find out more, schedule an appointment with Integrated Pain Consultants today and find out if you’re a candidate for radiofrequency ablation – 480-626-2552. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Nikesh Seth and other providers including Dr. Anne-Marie Cosijns, Dr. Lisa Sparks, Dr. Michael Givens, and our team of Nurse Practitioners.