Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) : Neck & Back Pain

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) involves directing radio waves through a precisely positioned needle to heat nerve areas, interrupting pain signals to the brain. RFA is an option for chronic pain, particularly in the neck, lower back, or arthritic joints resistant to other treatments.

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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Pain

Up to 90% of individuals may experience neck and back pain at some point. Recent research has shown that most methods used for low back pain are physical medicine and rehabilitation. Developing alternative treatment methods for back pain can help resolve these complaints faster. Pain management techniques vary depending on severity, cause, and duration.

Neck and back pain can be acute (less than 6 weeks) or chronic (more than 12 weeks). After examining the pain, surgical/non-surgical treatments or exercise programs can be provided to reduce it.

Surgical Treatments: In surgical treatments for low back pain, it may be necessary to rest in the hospital after surgery and stay under observation for 1-2 nights. According to research, the success rate of surgical treatments is 10% higher than non-surgical treatments.
Exercises: Exercise and physical therapy are common treatment methods for chronic back pain. Due to modern living conditions, we often lead a more sedentary life, which leads to immobility. Combining exercise and physical therapy can effectively reduce chronic neck and back pain.
Non-Surgical Treatments: Radiofrequency ablation is a highly successful non-surgical treatment for neck and back pain. It is the preferred method. This method is much more comfortable than the surgical process, and the patient can resume everyday life within two days.

Radiofrequency Ablation Technique

Radiofrequency ablation provides faster and more positive results than many other methods. This treatment method applies concentrated high doses of heat to restricted areas of the patient under local anaesthesia.

Radiofrequency waves are used to block the problematic pain nerves in a patient's painful area, by inserting a fluoroscopy-guided thin needle. This eliminates the pain after treatment.

Results of Radiofrequency Ablation

The radiofrequency procedure aims to eliminate or reduce the patient's pain and help improve the quality of life.

Radiofrequency ablation achieves complete recovery in over 80% of patients suffering from neck and back pain. The pain level in the remaining small group has notably decreased, indicating a significant improvement in their physical wellbeing. You do not need to rest in the hospital after the radiofrequency procedure, and you can return to your work life on the second day.

If you have pain that does not go away with medication, or if you do not want to undergo surgery or commit to daily physical therapy, radiofrequency pain treatment is a viable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How painful is radiofrequency?

Local anaesthesia is administered during radiofrequency treatment to ensure that patients do not feel any pain.

2How long will it take to see the true results of radiofrequency treatment?

After the treatment, your pain will completely disappear or provide relief for an extended period.

3Can Radiofrequency cause nerve damage?

The use of nerve-sparing techniques and fluoroscopy during the procedure ensures that there is no nerve damage or loss of strength or power.

4How long does radiofrequency procedure take?

Radiofrequency ablation for neck and back is a 30-minute procedure, and patients can go home after a few hours of observation.

5What does radiofrequency do to nerves?

Radiofrequency treatment involves inserting a thin needle connected to a radiofrequency device into the affected area.

6What are the side effects of radiofrequency?

Advanced nerve-sparing techniques and imaging using fluoroscopy have successfully led to a complication-free procedure, resulting in high patient satisfaction.

7When can I work after radiofrequency?

You can return to your work life after resting for about two days after radiofrequency treatment.

8Will there be any scars after radiofrequency treatment?

The radiofrequency procedure involves the use of very thin needles. For this reason, there is no scar on your skin after the treatment.

9How often should you do radiofrequency?

Radiofrequency treatment blocks nerves in the painful area. Therefore, there is no need to reapply to these areas. However, radiofrequency treatment can be applied again for pain in another location.

10How long does radiofrequency ablation take?

Radiofrequency treatment takes only 30 minutes.

11How Successful is radiofrequency therapy?

More than 80% of the patients completed recovery, and the remaining group experienced a significant reduction in pain.