Radiofrequency Ablation Fort Lauderdale
Reduce Nerve Activity, Find Lasting Pain Relief
Are you struggling under the weight of ongoing pain in your back, neck, or joints? Our non-surgical orthopedics team in Fort Lauderdale wants to help! We may recommend that you undergo radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure that uses the power of radio waves to disrupt pain signals. Very often, lasting freedom from pain is the result! Continue reading this page to discover more information about RFA, or contact us directly to set up your pain relief consultation.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is also known as radiofrequency neurotomy. It is a minimally invasive procedure which has the goal of reducing chronic pain. It works by using radio waves to generate heat within the body, which then destroys targeted areas of nerve tissue. As a result, the nerves lose their ability to send pain signals to the brain.
In addition to providing powerful pain reduction, RFA can also enhance functionality and mobility for many patients. It may even allow you to cut back on pain medications and delay or completely avoid invasive surgical procedures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
RFA is commonly used in the realm of non-surgical orthopedics as a way to address spine and joint pain. It might be right for you if your body has not responded well to more conservative approaches, like medication or physical therapy.
Some specific issues that RFA may be able to address include:
- Facet joint pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Pain in the neck, back, or knees
In our clinic, we use RFA only to address orthopedic pain. In other areas of medicine, it can be used to shrink certain tumors or even reduce heart rhythm issues.
The only way to find out for sure if RFA is right for you is to attend a consultation with our team. After we learn about your situation and medical history, we can advise you on your next steps.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
Before you undergo RFA, you might need to receive a diagnostic nerve block. If the nerve block significantly reduces or eliminates your pain, that lets us know that your nerves are indeed the source of your discomfort. It means that RFA would likely be effective for you.
Once you decide to move forward with RFA, you can expect a pretty straightforward and minimally invasive process. To start, you will lie down in a way that gives us optimal access to the targeted area. Then, we will use ultrasound or other imaging technology to locate the nerves that need to be treated.
Next, we will administer a numbing agent so you are more comfortable during the RFA procedure. We will then insert a small hollow needle that has an electrode at its tip. The electrode’s job is to emit radio waves that generate heat and attack specific nerve cells, which in turn disrupts their ability to cause pain.
We always aim to be careful to avoid harming surrounding healthy tissues. From start to finish, the process might take 15 minutes to up to a few hours, depending on the number of nerves that need treatment and other factors. After your RFA procedure, you should have a trusted adult drive you home and take a full day to rest. Most patients can resume normal activities within just a few days.
