What is Radiofrequency Neuroablation?
Radiofrequency Neuroablation (RFN), also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat chronic pain by disrupting nerve function. During the procedure, a specialized needle or probe is inserted near the targeted nerve, typically using imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound. Once in place, the tip of the probe emits radiofrequency energy, which generates heat. This heat effectively destroys or damages the nerve tissue, preventing it from sending pain signals to the brain. RFN is commonly used to treat pain originating from the facet joints, sacroiliac joints, and other peripheral nerves.
Radiofrequency Neuroablation is a valuable treatment option for patients who suffer from chronic pain, providing targeted, long-lasting relief with fewer side effects and a quicker recovery than more invasive surgical options.
Key Issues Radiofrequency Neuroablation (RFN) Solves
- Chronic Back Pain Relief
- Neck Pain Management
- Reduction of Sciatica Symptoms
- Pain Relief from Osteoarthritis
- Management of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Improved Quality of Life
- Minimally Invasive Alternative to Surgery
- Reduction in Medication Dependence
- Long-Lasting Pain Relief
- Improvement in Physical Therapy Outcomes
Radiofrequency Neuroablation
What Causes the Need for Radiofrequency Neuroablation (RFN)?
Radiofrequency Neuroablation is often needed due to various conditions that lead to chronic pain, particularly those involving nerve irritation or damage. Some common causes include:
Degenerative arthritis affecting the facet joints in the spine can lead to chronic back and neck pain. RFN can target the nerves that supply these joints, reducing pain.
Age-related changes in the spinal discs can cause inflammation and pain that may be relieved by ablating the nerves transmitting pain signals from the affected areas.
Conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs can compress spinal nerves, causing chronic pain. RFN can target these nerves to provide relief.
Inflammation or dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis, can lead to chronic lower back pain. RFN can disrupt pain signals from this joint.
Patients who continue to experience pain after back surgery may benefit from RFN as an alternative treatment to address persistent nerve pain.
This condition, characterized by severe, persistent pain in a limb, can sometimes be managed with RFN targeting the sympathetic nerves involved in pain signaling.
Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves, leading to pain and discomfort. RFN can help manage the associated nerve pain.
Acute injuries or trauma to the spine, such as whiplash, can cause long-term pain that RFN may help alleviate by targeting specific nerves.
A condition where one vertebra slips over another can lead to nerve irritation and pain, which may be treated with RFN.
Conditions where nerves are compressed by surrounding tissues can cause chronic pain, for which RFN may offer relief by selectively ablating the affected nerves.