Radiofrequency ablation uses an electric current to heat up a small area of nerve tissue to stop it from sending pain signals. It can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck and arthritic joints.
First, you’ll be given an intravenous medication to relax you. Then, you’ll lie on your stomach or back on an x-ray table.The doctor will numb an area of your skin with a local anesthetic. Then, he or she will:
Insert a thin needle into the area where you feel pain; an x-ray can help your doctor pinpoint the exact area.
Insert a micro electrode through the needle; your doctor will ask if you feel a tingling sensation; this helps your
doctor identify the right area for treatment.
Send a small radiofrequency current through the electrode to heat your nerve tissue.
Usually, after the procedure you can go home the same day.
Most patients have some pain relief after radiofrequency ablation, but the amount varies by cause of pain and location. The relief can last from 6 to 12 months. For some patients, the relief lasts years.
The risk of complication from radiofrequency ablation is very low. Serious complications, including infection and bleeding at the incision site, are uncommon.
Temporary side effects can include:
Weakness or numbness in the legs.
Swelling and bruising at the incision site.
You can continue your regular diet and medications immediately, but do not drive or do any rigorous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. Take it easy. You can return to your normal activities the next day.
Radiofrequency ablation may be right for you if you have chronic pain that does not respond to other treatment, such as pain medication and physical therapy.
Reference: Cleveland Pain Clinic, Patient Health Library, Treatments and Procedures.
Background:
Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) can be an effective treatment for patients with chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches resistant to conservative care. However, the degree and duration of pain relief after RFN is dependent upon the thoroughness of target nerve coagulation.
Case Report:
This is a case of a 37-year-old patient with debilitating neck pain and headaches following a motor vehicle accident. Successful local anesthetic block of the third occipital nerve (TON) confirmed pain of C2-C3 facet joint origin. An initial RFN treatment of the TON, using standard 18G electrodes in bipolar mode, resulted in complete symptom amelioration for 8 months. Repeat RFN, using the same electrode configuration, was unsuccessful in alleviating the severe neck pain and headaches, and produced no demonstrable sensory loss in the distribution of the TON. RFN was then performed using the NIMBUS® electrosurgical RF multitined expandable electrode, which provides a larger zone of coagulation in volume than standard RFN electrodes even when used in bipolar configuration.
Conclusion:
The NIMBUS procedure resulted in successful coagulation of the TON with sensory loss in the TON distribution and reinstatement of palliative relief.
