Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist

NovaSpine Pain Institute

Pain Management in Sun City, Sun City West, Glendale and Gilbert, Arizona

NovaSpine Pain Institute combines the latest diagnostic tests, rehabilitation techniques, and state-of-the-art treatments to help you get the best possible care and relief from your pain. If traditional treatments aren’t improving your chronic headaches, neck pain, or back pain, you’ll want to consult with the experienced pain management team at NovaSpine Pain Institute to see if you might benefit from radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Contact the Sun City West, Sun City, Gilbert, or Glendale, Arizona, office by phone or use the online contact form today to schedule a consultation

Radiofrequency Ablation Q & A

What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?

RFA is an interventional pain management procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to stop your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.

The innovative treatment provides long-term pain relief and can decrease your reliance on prescription pain medication, as well as give you the relief you need so you can participate in physical therapy.

The long-term pain management procedure specifically addresses the pain that generates from the medial branch nerves found around your facet joints.

These joints connect your vertebrae and assist with the movement of your spine. The pain from these joints can develop after an injury or from degeneration that happens as you get older.

What conditions benefit from an RFA?

The pain management team at NovaSpine Pain Institute offers RFA to treat many common pain conditions that generate from the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. You’ll want to consider scheduling a consultation if you’re suffering from:

Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Mid-back or lower back pain
Headaches
Arthritis

The innovative team also offers knee-genicular RFA, which provides pain relief for those suffering from chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis.

What can I expect during an RFA?

The experienced team at NovaSpine Pain Institute does your RFA at the office using fluoroscopic guidance.

Before your procedure begins, your doctor will first insert an intravenous line to provide medication that helps you relax. Your doctor then administers a local anesthetic to the area undergoing the ablation to minimize discomfort.

Once you’re relaxed and the area is numb, your doctor inserts a thin needle into the treatment area using fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, for guidance. Once the needle is in position, your doctor begins the radiofrequency energy to disrupt the nerve.

During RFA for conditions that affect your back, your doctor will apply radiofrequency energy to other areas of your spine depending on your needs.

After your RFA, the team has you remain at the office for 30 minutes for monitoring. The team requests that you keep a pain diary following your procedure. You might feel sore for up to four days following your ablation. You might also experience numbness and itching.

It may take 2-3 weeks until you feel full pain relief following your RFA and the relief could last 6-18 months. It’s not uncommon for your nerves to regenerate following your RFA. When this happens, the team recommends you undergo another RFA.

To schedule a consultation with the experienced team, call NovaSpine Pain Institute office nearest you or use the online contact form.