Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure which aids in the destruction of the nerve fibers responsible for carrying pain signals to the brain. This procedure is nonsurgical that works by applying heat to destroy the pain-transmitting nerve fibers. This procedure has been found to be efficient in offering a permanent and lasting solution to those suffering from chronic pain in areas that include the neck, arthritic joints and lower back. Some of the notable benefits of this procedure include immediate pain relief, reduced the length of recovery time, avoiding surgery, improved function and decreased need for pain relievers.
Who Qualifies for Radiofrequency Ablation For Neck Pain?
Radiofrequency ablation for neck pain is administered to patients suffering from neck pain that is caused by facet joint problems such as injury or arthritis. For patients suffering from chronic pain in Tampa FL, the procedure is used to interrupt all the nerves that connect to individual facet joints. A neurosurgeon Tampa FL locals rely on can also prescribe or recommend Rhizotomy for patients suffering from RSD that involves legs and arms to bring about the interruption of the sympathetic nerve coming from the diseased arm or leg. For you to qualify for this procedure, a medical practitioner from Florida Surgery Consultants must confirm that you responded well to diagnostic injections. Most of those who undergo rhizotomy have tried other conservative treatments.
How to Prepare for the Procedure?
Before being admitted for the procedure, your doctor will conduct a test to determine if you are a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation. Your doctor will inject small amounts of numbing medication to the exact area where the radiofrequency needle will be directed. If from this test you experience a relief from pain, then chances are that radiofrequency ablation directed to those spots will help you. Before the actual procedure, you need to do the following:
- Eat and take fluids just as usual
- Talk to your doctor in case you are taking blood thinners or have an active infection.
- Make sure that you take the prescribed medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
- Make sure that you have someone who will pick you from the appointment.
What should you expect?
Owing to the fact that the procedure is nonsurgical and minimally invasive, expect it to be quick. The whole appointment with your neurosurgeon Tampa FL will take between 30 to 45 minutes and you will be able to go home on the same day. The doctor will use a fluoroscope, which is a special type of an X-ray machine, to insert radio-frequency needles at the identified points so that the heat is only directed to the targeted nerve tissues. Before the insertion of the needles, the doctor will inject a local anaesthetic into the neck region before the radiofrequency ablation for neck pain.
How are the results?
This procedure is effective in dealing with radiofrequency ablation for neck pain. The pain relief may last for between 6 months to a little over 2 years. There is a possibility that the damaged nerves can regrow. If this happens, you need not to worry our specialists at Florida Surgery Consultants will be here to perform another radiofrequency ablation and relieve you of the pain. Contact us today and let us help you deal with that chronic pain.
