Our primary care doctor in Houston know how debilitating chronic pain is, be it in the back, neck, or joints. A very effective and minimally invasive way to manage some forms of ongoing pain is with Radiofrequency Ablation, or RFA. This is an advanced treatment that focuses on targeting certain nerves to reduce pain impulses to the brain. However, it is worth noting that before deciding on this form of treatment, there is a need to learn about the causes and symptoms that would qualify an individual for RFA.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation, or RFA, is a surgical technique that uses electrical energy created by radio waves to heat a localized area of nerve tissue, thus closing off pain signals. It is utilized most commonly to manage pain that has been unresponsive to conservative measures such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.

Although RFA is a procedure, the underlying conditions that prompt patients to consider this route are diverse, usually involving inflammation, degenerative alterations, or nerve impairment.

Common Causes That Lead to RFA

RFA is usually recommended for individuals with chronic pain due to the following conditions:

1. Facet Joint Pain (Spine Pain)

Facet joints are tiny joints that are situated at every vertebra in the spine. These joints become inflamed or develop arthritis over time, causing long-standing lower back or neck pain.

2. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints are what link the lower spine to the pelvis. Dysfunction or inflammation here may lead to sharp or dull pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips.

3. Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ongoing pain due to chronic inflammation and degeneration in joints affected by arthritis can be controlled with RFA.

4. Peripheral Nerve Pain

At other times, pain originates from outside the spine, including nerves damaged by injury or trapped by other tissues. RFA may be used to target these nerves to alleviate pain.

5. Post-Surgical Pain

There may still be pain for some people because of nerve damage or ongoing irritation. RFA can be an alternative when others have not been successful.

Symptoms That Signal You Are a Candidate

Although pain is unique to every individual, these are some of the symptoms that may indicate RFA is an option:

• Persistent localized pain: Particularly in the neck, lower back, or joints that have persisted over a duration longer than three months.
• Increased pain with activity: Movement can enhance pain, such as in joints affected by arthritis or spinal segments.
• Minimal relief with medications: Even over-the-counter and prescription pills may no longer provide adequate relief.
• Radiating pain: This is pain that shoots from the back out into the arms, legs, or buttocks.
• Enhanced relief from pain with diagnostic nerve blocks: In case there was temporary relief from pain following a nerve block, it has been shown that RFA can have longer-lasting effects.

Keep in mind that RFA is not suitable for all types of pain. Deciding to have this procedure is based on a thorough assessment involving your history, symptoms, and findings from tests like X-rays, MRIs, or nerve studies.

Relief from Pain at Remix Medical

You do not have to live with pain forever. Our primary care doctor in Houston at Remix Medical will work with you to better comprehend what is causing you pain and consider every available alternative,such as determining if you can benefit from Radiofrequency Ablation.

Contact Remix Medical now to arrange a consultation and start down the path toward a more comfortable, active lifestyle.