Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure

Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure

During this minimally-invasive procedure, the physician uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your neck. This procedure is also called radiofrequency rhizotomy. It can treat pain that doesn’t respond to medications or to physical therapy.

How will you be prepared for a Radiofrequency Ablation procedure

In preparation for the procedure, you lie on your stomach. You are given medicine to make you feel relaxed. The skin and tissue of your neck is numbed.

First step of a Radio Frequency Ablation procedure

The physician inserts a tube called a “cannula.” A video x-ray device called a “fluoroscope” helps guide the cannula to the medial branch nerves in your spine. These tiny nerves carry pain signals from your facet joints to your brain.

Treating the NervesĀ 

RFA surgery
Radiofrequency Ablation

The physician inserts an electrode through the cannula. A weak electric jolt is used to test its position. If the jolt recreates the pain but does not cause any other muscular effects, it is positioned correctly. Then the physician uses the electrode to heat the nerve. This disrupts its ability to transmit pain signals. Several nerves may be treated if necessary.

End of the Radiofrequency Ablation procedure

When the procedure is complete, the electrode and cannula are removed. A small bandage is placed on your skin. You will be monitored for a brief time before you are allowed to go home. Your injection site may feel sore after the procedure, and you may still have neck pain. If the correct nerves were treated, you will gradually experience pain relief as you heal. This may take several weeks. Your relief may last for several months.

If you believe that you may be a candidate for a Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our neurosurgeons. At Florida Surgery Consultants you can trust that our doctors are going to give you the right guidance to ease your back pain. Fill out to form or call (888) 411-6824 to schedule a Radiofrequency Ablation procedure today!