Why Radiofrequency Ablation May be the Best Solution for Your Chronic Back Pain

Do you have chronic back pain? Have conservative treatments like non-prescription medication, physical therapy and chiropractic care been ineffective? You could be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation, a treatment that deals with pain signals from affected nerves at their source. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used to help patients with chronic lower back and neck pain and pain related to the degeneration of joints from arthritis.

At Valley Neurology and Pain, located in Phoenix and Peoria, Arizona, our team of compassionate pain management specialists are here to help. Radiofrequency ablation is a safe, effective interventional treatment that can significantly reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.

The basics of radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation sends a targeted electric current through small areas of nerve tissue. The heat impairs the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain. If you have chronic back pain that isn’t responding to traditional therapies, RFA can give you relief that lasts six to twelve months and in some cases, relief can last for years.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has proven to be a safe and effective way to treat some forms of pain. It also is generally well-tolerated, with very few associated complications. Your pain management doctor will first make sure you don’t have any conditions or medications that contradict RFA treatment.

The RFA treatment process

After you receive local anesthesia, the doctor will insert a small needle into the general area where you are experiencing pain. Using an X-ray, your doctor will guide the needle to the exact target area. A microelectrode is then inserted through the needle to begin the stimulation process.

During the procedure, your doctor will ask if you are able to feel a tingling sensation. The object of the stimulation process is to help the doctor determine if the electrode is in the correct area for treatment.

Once the needle and electrode placement is verified, a small radiofrequency current is sent through the electrode into the surrounding tissue, causing the tissue to heat. You should not feel discomfort during the heating portion of the procedure.

There might be some slight swelling or bruising at the site of the injection. You could also experience numbness or weakness in your legs for a few days, but these are temporary side effects. The risk of complications from RF treatment is very low. More than 70% of people treated with RFA experience pain relief.

At Valley Neurology and Pain, with three convenient Arizona locations in Phoenix and Peoria, you are never just a number. Your consultation, examination, and treatment are always administered by a highly-qualified physician. When it comes to back pain, we have several experienced physicians who can help you, including Dr. Toure Knighton, Dr. Dinesh Chinthagada, Dr. Jin Yuk and Dr. David Kush.

Think radiofrequency ablation could be right for you? Call your nearest location or book your pain management consultation online today.