Living with chronic pain can be a daily struggle, impacting everything from your work and hobbies to your overall quality of life. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we understand the frustration of trying various treatments without finding lasting relief. For many of our patients in the San Francisco Bay Area, radiofrequency nerve ablation, a minimally invasive procedure, has been a game-changer.
This page will provide you with a comprehensive overview of radiofrequency nerve ablation, also known as RFA or radiofrequency neurotomy. We’ll explore what it is, why it’s done, and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health and to find the best course of treatment for your chronic pain.
Overview
Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a safe and effective procedure that uses heat to interrupt pain signals. It’s a minimally invasive technique, meaning it’s performed through a small needle-like instrument and doesn’t require a large incision. The procedure targets specific nerves that are sending pain signals from an injured or arthritic joint to your brain.
Think of it like this: your nerves are like electrical wires that carry messages. When a joint is damaged, the nerves in that area send pain signals through these “wires” to your brain. Radiofrequency ablation essentially creates a temporary “roadblock” in these wires, preventing the pain signals from reaching their destination. It does this by using a precisely controlled electrical current to create a lesion on the nerve, which disrupts its ability to transmit pain.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of highly skilled orthopedic specialists has extensive experience in performing radiofrequency nerve ablation for patients throughout the San Francisco area. We use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure the procedure is as safe and effective as possible.
Why a Procedure is Done
You might be a good candidate for radiofrequency nerve ablation if you have chronic pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or steroid injections. RFA is most commonly used to treat pain in the following areas:
- Spine: This includes chronic neck pain, back pain, and pain related to arthritis of the facet joints (the small joints that connect your vertebrae).
- Knees: RFA can be an effective treatment for chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
- Hips: For those suffering from chronic hip pain, RFA can provide significant relief.
- Shoulders: RFA is also a viable option for treating chronic shoulder pain.
- Sacroiliac (SI) Joints: The SI joints connect your spine to your pelvis, and pain in this area can be debilitating. RFA can help to alleviate this pain.
Before recommending RFA, your doctor at California Pacific Orthopaedics will likely perform a diagnostic nerve block. This is a simple injection that temporarily numbs the targeted nerves. If you experience significant pain relief from the nerve block, it’s a good indication that you’ll also benefit from radiofrequency nerve ablation.
What To Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
If you and your doctor decide that radiofrequency nerve ablation is the right treatment for you, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Before the Procedure
- Consultation: You’ll have a thorough consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals. We’ll answer any questions you have and make sure you feel comfortable and informed.
- Pre-procedure Instructions: We’ll provide you with specific instructions to follow before your procedure. This may include restrictions on eating and drinking, as well as guidelines for taking any medications.
- Arrange for a Driver: Because you’ll receive a local anesthetic and possibly a mild sedative, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home from our San Francisco-based facility.
During the Procedure
- Positioning: You’ll lie on a procedure table, either on your stomach or your back, depending on the area being treated.
- Anesthesia: We’ll numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. We may also offer a mild sedative to help you relax.
- Fluoroscopy Guidance: Your doctor will use a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy to guide a thin, hollow needle to the precise location of the targeted nerve.
- Nerve Stimulation: Once the needle is in place, we’ll pass a small electrical current through it to confirm that we’ve located the correct nerve. You may feel a tingling or thumping sensation during this part of the procedure.
- Ablation: After confirming the correct nerve, we’ll use radiofrequency energy to heat the tip of the needle and create a lesion on the nerve. This part of the procedure is usually painless and only takes a few minutes.
The entire procedure typically takes between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on the area and number of nerves being treated.
After the Procedure
- Recovery: You’ll be moved to a recovery area where we’ll monitor you for a short time before you’re discharged.
- Post-procedure Soreness: It’s normal to experience some soreness or a sunburn-like sensation at the injection site for a few days after the procedure. You can manage this with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Activity Restrictions: We’ll give you specific instructions on activity restrictions, but most people are able to return to their normal activities within a day or two.
- Pain Relief: You may not experience immediate pain relief, as it can take a week or two for the full effects of the procedure to be felt. However, many patients experience significant pain relief that can last for several months to a year or even longer.
- Follow-up: We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and ensure you’re recovering well.
It’s important to remember that the nerves will eventually regenerate, and the pain may return. If this happens, the radiofrequency nerve ablation procedure can be repeated.
Take the Next Step Towards a Pain-Free Life
If you’re living with chronic pain and are looking for a long-term solution, radiofrequency nerve ablation may be the answer. The experienced team at California Pacific Orthopaedics is here to help you explore your treatment options and find the best path to a pain-free life.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists at our San Francisco office. We’re committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and helping you get back to doing the things you love.
