Radiofrequency Ablations

Scottsdale Radiofrequency Ablations

A Holistic Approach to Pain Management for Whole-Body Wellness

At Orion Pain, we help relieve chronic back pain, especially for those who have not had success with previous pain management techniques. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to treat chronic back, neck, knee, pelvis, and hand or foot pain. It is a minimally invasive procedure used to destroy the nerve fibers that carry pain signals to the brain and can provide lasting relief for those with recurrent pain. Sometimes, it is used in conjunction with nerve block injections. Pain relief may last anywhere from nine months to over two years, but it is possible for the nerve to grow. RFA is 70-80% effective in those who have had successful nerve block therapy.

How Does RFA Work?

This nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure uses heat to alleviate the pain signals the brain sends to the affected nerve. It works by sending an electric current to heat the affected cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or peripheral nerve(s) to prevent the brain from sending pain signals. The radiofrequency waves ablate (burn) the nerve causing your pain, essentially eliminating the brain’s pain signals. Good RFA candidates often have successful pain relief after diagnostic nerve/pain receptor block injections.

What Happens During the RFA Procedure?

During RFA treatment, you will lie on an X-ray table and a local anesthetic will be injected to numb the treatment area so you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Patients are awake during the procedure, but you may be given a low-dose sedative to relax you, rather than putting you under general anesthesia. The technique for RFA is similar to diagnostic nerve block injections. It is aided by a special X-ray, called a fluoroscope, to direct a thin, hollow needle into the affected region. This allows your doctor to watch the needle in real time to ensure it goes to the desired location.
Once the needle is in place, a radiofrequency current is passed through the needle to create a prescribed, precise burn, called a lesion, that is about the size of the tip of a cotton swab. The current destroys a portion of the nerve transmitting pain and disrupts the signal these send to the brain. It takes approximately 90 seconds for each site, and multiple nerves may be treated simultaneously.

Contact Orion Pain for Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment

RFA is a safe procedure with minimal side effects or risks. We use this treatment in conjunction with nerve blocks for best results, so you can live free of pain. Our goal is to get you back to you.

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