Radiofrequency ablation in Pain management
Radiofrequency ablation in Pain management uses radio waves to create heat that is used to kill tissue.
Some facts about Radiofrequency ablation in Pain management:
- Heat is produced on specifically identified nerves surrounding the facet joints called the lumbar medial branches of the dorsal ramus of the spinal nerves.
- Longer term pain relieve can be provided by radiofrequency ablation than nerve blocks or other types of injections
- Chronic pain respond well to radiofrequency ablation.
- Injuries such as whiplash, Neuropathic pain conditions like complex regional pain syndrome or peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes, Prior spine surgeries, Spinal arthritis (spondylosis) can be treated with this procedure.
- It may take 3 or more weeks for the full effects of radiofrequency ablation to be felt and the amount of pain relieved after the procedure varies from person to person.
- The pain relief will generally last six months to a year or even longer
- The radiofrequency ablation may need to be repeated if the nerves do grow back.
Preparing for Radiofrequency Ablation:
- Patients will be given instructions about how to prepare for radiofrequency ablation to treat heart related issues.
- Drinking or eating anything should be avoided for at least six hours before the ablation.
- You can take your medicines with a small amount of water.
- You should not take insulin or diabetes pills until after the procedure if you have diabetes.
- Stop taking aspirin or medicines containing aspirin for at least 11 days before the procedure as it can cause bleeding or slow the clotting process.
- Do not wear any jewelry during the procedure.
Procedure for Radiofrequency ablation in Pain management:
- An intravenous (IV) line will be started before the procedure begins which will be used to give the patient drugs to make the procedure more comfortable and to relax.
- The area will be cleaned and numbed before the IV line is inserted.
- Injections of local anesthesia such as lidocaine will be given around the medial branches prior to the RFA procedure to first confirm the diagnosis and identify the nerves to be ablated.
- The injection is repeated a second time to confirm the diagnosis if temporary pain relief is provided by the local anesthesia injections.
- RFA is then performed on the nerve(s) that responded well to the injections
- The patient needs to be alert during the procedure to help the doctor to correctly place the electrode used during the ablation procedure.
- X-rays will be used by the doctor to guide twin, insulated needles to the proper place next to the nerve.
- A small radiofrequency current is directed to the medial branch nerve of the joint capsule for about 60 to 90 seconds.
- Heat will be generated by the radiofrequency waves which destroys the nerve tissue that is sending the pain signals to the brain.
- The procedure is done with sterile technique so that the risk of infection can be minimized.
- You will be taken to a recovery area after the procedure.
- You will be monitored by the nurses and make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
- You will be allowed to leave once you are stable after the procedure.
- Additional pain relieving medications will be given until pain goes away.
- Some swelling or bruising may be there where the needle was inserted which can be reduced by using cold pack.
