What Is Radiofrequency Ablation and How Can It Treat Neck and Back Pain?

By The Pain Experts of Arizona

Chronic neck and back pain can seriously affect your physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. When traditional treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medication fail to provide the relief you need, it can feel like there’s no way forward. However, advances in pain management now offer innovative solutions, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), to help those struggling with persistent pain regain control of their lives.

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures like RFA, which can significantly improve your quality of life. In this blog, we will explain what radiofrequency ablation is, how it works, and why it’s such an effective treatment for chronic neck and back pain.

Understanding Chronic Neck and Back Pain

Chronic neck and back pain can result from a variety of conditions, such as:

• Spinal arthritis: Degeneration of the spine’s joints.
• Whiplash injuries: Trauma that leads to long-term discomfort.
• Neuropathic pain: Nerve pain caused by conditions like complex regional pain syndrome.
• Failed back surgery syndrome: Persistent pain following spinal surgeries.

For many individuals, chronic pain originates from inflamed or damaged nerves that continuously send pain signals to the brain, even when healing is no longer necessary. When other treatments fail to stop these pain signals, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can step in to offer relief.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by electromagnetic waves to disrupt nerve function. By targeting specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, RFA effectively interrupts these signals, providing significant and long-lasting pain relief.

How RFA Works:

1. Preparation: First, the treatment area is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
2. Guidance: Then, a small needle is inserted into the affected area, with fluoroscopy (live X-ray) used to guide precise needle placement.
3. Treatment: Next, a radiofrequency current heats and disables the targeted nerve endings, stopping them from sending pain signals to the brain.

If larger areas of pain are involved, multiple electrodes can be used to target several nerves at once. This outpatient procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete.

How RFA Helps Treat Neck and Back Pain

One of the main advantages of radiofrequency ablation is that it selectively targets the nerves responsible for transmitting pain while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed. As a result, patients can retain normal movement and sensation in the treated areas.

RFA is particularly effective for treating chronic pain caused by:

• Arthritis: RFA reduces pain from degenerative joint conditions in the spine.
• Post-trauma injuries: It helps alleviate pain that lingers long after the injury has healed.
• Neuropathic pain: RFA provides relief from pain caused by nerve damage or irritation.
• Surgical outcomes: It addresses ongoing discomfort following prior spinal surgeries.

Patients who undergo RFA often report relief that lasts between 6 to 12 months, with some experiencing even longer-lasting benefits. If pain returns, the procedure can be repeated as needed.

What to Expect After the Procedure

The great news is that most patients can return home the same day of the procedure. While some may experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site, these side effects typically subside within a few days. Most importantly, you will likely begin to experience full pain relief within one to two weeks as the nerves are completely disabled.

Because RFA is minimally invasive, most patients recover quickly and can return to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Why Consider Radiofrequency Ablation?

Here are a few compelling reasons why radiofrequency ablation might be the ideal solution for you:

• Long-Lasting Pain Relief: RFA offers sustained relief from chronic pain, allowing you to reclaim your daily life.
• Non-Surgical Solution: Since the procedure is minimally invasive, you reduce the risks and recovery time that typically come with surgery.
• Targeted Treatment: RFA specifically targets the nerves responsible for pain, preserving the normal function of surrounding tissues.
• Quick Recovery: You can resume your usual activities within just a couple of days after the procedure.

Are You a Candidate for RFA?

Radiofrequency ablation is an excellent choice for patients who:

• Suffer from chronic neck or back pain that has not responded to conservative treatments.
• Have experienced temporary relief from diagnostic or therapeutic nerve blocks.
• Are seeking a non-surgical approach to manage their pain.

If you’re unsure whether RFA is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our pain specialists. During the consultation, we will review your symptoms and medical history to help determine the best course of action.

Why Choose The Pain Experts of Arizona?

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we are committed to providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments to help improve your quality of life. Our team of board-certified pain management specialists is dedicated to offering personalized care that addresses the root causes of your discomfort. With convenient locations in Mesa and Gilbert, AZ, we are here to support you in finding the relief you deserve.

Take the Next Step Toward a Pain-Free Life

If chronic neck or back pain is limiting your ability to enjoy life, radiofrequency ablation may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact The Pain Experts of Arizona today to schedule your consultation. Call us at 480-550-9393 or fill out our online contact form.

Relief is possible—let us help you find it.

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