Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is also called radiofrequency lesioning. It is a procedure used to provide longer term pain relief than that provided by simple injections or nerve blocks. Many patients who are being considered for this procedure have already undergone simple injection techniques. These simple techniques include Epidural Steroid Injection, Facet Joint Injection, Sympathetic Nerve Blocks, or other nerve blocks. They provide the patient with pain relief that is less prolonged than desired.
By selectively destroying nerves that carry pain impulses, the painful structure can be effectively denervated. The pain can be reduced or eliminated for anywhere from a few months to up to 12 months.
Radiofrequency waves are electromagnetic waves which travel at the speed of light, or 186,000 miles per second (300,000 km/s). Radiofrequency Energy is a type of heat energy that is created by a special generator at very high or super high frequencies. With the use of this specialized generator, heat energy is created. It is then delivered with precision to target nerves that carry pain impulses. The resulting lesion involves a spherical area of tissue destruction at the tip of the RF needle. this area can include pain-carrying nerves.
Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation
RFA, or Radiofrequency Ablation, uses energy to disrupt nerve function. When it is done to a lumbar medial branch nerve, the nerve is no longer able to transmit signals from a painful facet joint. If you have any questions after reading this information about lumbar radiofrequency ablation please call us. We, at Spine Physicians Institute, have performed this procedure on countless patients over the years.
Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation
RFA, or Radiofrequency Ablation, uses energy to disrupt nerve function. Cervical radiofrequency ablation uses energy to disrupt nerve function. When it is done to a cervical medial branch nerve, the nerve is no longer able to transmit signals from a painful facet joint. If you have any questions after reading this information about lumbar radiofrequency ablation please call us. We, at Spine Physicians Institute, have performed this procedure on countless patients over the years.