Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation, one of the latest medical procedures available to manage neck and back pain, is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses radio-frequency energy (controlled heat) to disrupt specific nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, thus preventing the sensation of pain.

This procedure is used to manage pain in the facet joint and sacroiliac joint usually caused by injury/trauma or degenerative diseases such as arthritis. Radiofrequency Ablation is recommended when results are not achieved through physical therapy or medication.

The Procedure

Patients are sedated through an intravenous (IV) and the skin on the back or neck is numbed with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Then, through special X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance, the physician inserts a needle through the skin into the spine in the region adjacent to the medial nerves on the facet joints, or lateral nerves along the sacroiliac joint.

Then, a mild electric current is initiated and passed through the needle (creating a tingling sensation) to help identify the targeted nerves. This is called a lateral branch or medial branch nerve block.

Once the targeted nerves are identified, a local anesthetic is used to numb those nerves before radiofrequency emits heat to create a lesion on the nerve tissue, disrupting its ability to send pain signals to the brain. This procedure lasts between 30 to 90 minutes in most cases.

Our Spine Surgeons have been performing radiofrequency ablation treatments for years in Boca Raton. For a preferred specialist in Boca Raton, call 561-549-9090.