Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA/Rhizotomy) | Beverly Hills CA
Radiofrequency ablation involves a minimally invasive procedure that provides long-term relief for patients with chronic pain, specifically in the neck, arthritic joints, and lower back. At our practice, we provide the most effective procedure for treating chronic pain. Our experienced team will help you achieve relief using the radiofrequency ablation procedure.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency Ablation can be defined as a nonsurgical, negligible invasive procedure that utilizes heat to stop or reduce pain transmission. In this procedure, the radiofrequency waves burn the nerve inducing pain. Some benefits of radiofrequency ablation treatment include:
- It helps patients to avoid surgery
- Radiofrequency ablation improves function
- It involves little recovery time
- Radiofrequency ablation leads to instant relief of pain
Who is a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation can be used to treat any of the following chronic painful conditions:
- Joint Pain
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Pelvic Pain
- Lumbar Facet Syndrome
- Arthritis of the Spine
- Cervical Facet Syndrome
- Thoracic Pain
- Peripheral Nerve Pain
- Sacroiliitis
Procedure for Radiofrequency Ablation
The patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the area about to be treated after he lies on an x-ray table. During the procedure, the patient is allowed to stay awake to provide feedback to the doctor. Sedatives such as versed or valium are given in small doses.
With the support of a special kind of x-ray (fluoroscope), our specialist directs a slim, hollow needle into the area, causing the pain. This fluoroscope allows the specialist to watch the needle and ensures that it goes to the required location. Sometimes, contrast is administered to be sure of the location of the needle.
After the needle is in place, the patient is then given a numbing medication. The radiofrequency current is passed through the hollow needle to create a tiny and exact burn called a lesion—the current of the radiofrequency damages the nerve area responsible for transmitting pain and rattles the signal-producing pain. The burn takes roughly 90 seconds for every site and can burn numerous nerves at once.
Contact Us Today!
Contact us today to make an appointment. Our experienced team will checkout your health condition and determine whether radiofrequency ablation can help you achieve relief.