RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION IN LOS ANGELES

Say Stop To Your Pain!

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific nerves to alleviate pain, offering patients a non-surgical alternative to traditional pain management methods. At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we offer Radiofrequency Ablation in Pasadena and Los Angeles area for patients suffering from conditions like neck pain, lower back pain or arthritis joints.  Discover how RFA can transform your pain management approach and enhance your well-being.
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What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat long-term pain by targeting nerves that transmit pain signals. During RFA, a specialized needle is inserted near the affected nerve under fluoroscopic guidance (live X-ray). Once positioned correctly, the needle delivers radiofrequency energy to create heat around the nerve tissue, disrupting its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.

This procedure effectively reduces pain without damaging surrounding tissues. The heat generated by radiofrequency energy creates a lesion on the nerve, temporarily interrupting its pain-signaling capability. Relief from pain can last from several months to over a year, depending on individual response and the specific condition being treated.

Radiofrequency ablation is commonly used to manage chronic pain conditions such as arthritis-related joint pain, neck pain, facet joint pain in the spine, and nerve pain from conditions like sciatica. It offers a less invasive alternative to surgery and can significantly improve quality of life by reducing pain and enhancing mobility.

What to Expect During the Procedure

1. Preparation: You will be positioned on an exam table, usually lying on your stomach or back, depending on the location of the nerves being treated. The area around the treatment site will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the skin and deeper tissues to minimize discomfort.

2. Insertion of Electrode: Under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance, a small needle is inserted through the skin and positioned near the targeted nerve or nerves causing pain. The positioning is crucial to ensure accurate targeting of the nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation: Once the needle is correctly positioned, a thin electrode is inserted through the needle and placed next to the nerve. The electrode generates a radiofrequency current that heats the nerve tissue. This heat creates a lesion on the nerve, disrupting its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.

4. Monitoring and Confirmation: Throughout the procedure, the healthcare provider will monitor your responses and confirm the correct placement of the electrode using fluoroscopy. You may be asked to provide feedback regarding any sensations or pain during the procedure to ensure accurate targeting.

5. Post-Procedure: After the RFA treatment, the needle and electrode are removed, and a small bandage may be placed over the insertion site. You will be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. You may experience some soreness or discomfort at the treatment site, but this typically resolves within a few days.

Don't let discomfort hold you back.
Experience pain relief with Radiofrequency Ablation.

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Recovery Process After Radiofrequency Ablation

After radiofrequency ablation (RFA), you can expect a straightforward recovery process. Immediately following the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or soreness at the treatment site, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. It's common to resume normal activities within a day or two, although strenuous activities should be avoided initially.

Over the next few days, you may notice gradual improvement in your pain symptoms as the nerve tissue affected by RFA begins to heal and the pain signals diminish. It's important to follow any specific post-procedure instructions provided by our team at Spine & Pain Institute LA, such as avoiding heat packs or certain medications that could interfere with healing. Most patients experience significant pain relief that can last from several months to over a year, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your progress and determine the need for additional treatments.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

  1. Effective Pain Relief: RFA provides targeted relief by interrupting pain signals from nerves, offering significant reduction or elimination of pain in treated areas.
  2. Minimally Invasive: It is a minimally invasive procedure, typically performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, which reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery time compared to surgery.
  3. Long-lasting Results: Many patients experience prolonged pain relief lasting from several months to over a year, depending on the condition and individual response to treatment.
  4. Improved Quality of Life: By alleviating pain, RFA enhances daily functioning and mobility, allowing patients to engage more comfortably in activities they enjoy.
  5. Alternative to Surgery: RFA provides a non-surgical option for managing chronic pain, making it suitable for individuals who may not be candidates for surgery or prefer a less invasive approach.
  6. Safe and Well-tolerated: With proper patient selection and technique, RFA is considered safe and well-tolerated, offering a reliable option for chronic pain management.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation

Arthritis

RFA can be used to manage pain from arthritis in various joints, including the knees, hips, and shoulders, by targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from these joints.

Neck and Back Pain

RFA can provide relief for chronic neck and back pain that is not adequately managed by medications or physical therapy, especially when the pain is localized and originates from specific nerves or joints in the spine.

Degenerative Disc Disease

RFA can be used to treat pain caused by degenerative changes in the discs of the spine, particularly when these changes lead to nerve irritation or compression.

Peripheral Nerve Pain

RFA can target peripheral nerves outside the spine that may be causing chronic pain, such as in conditions like peripheral neuropathy or neuralgia.

Spinal Conditions

- Facet Joint Pain: RFA can target the nerves that supply the facet joints in the spine, which can alleviate pain caused by arthritis or injury to these joints.
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: RFA is effective in treating pain arising from the sacroiliac joint, which can be caused by arthritis, injury, or inflammation.
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Who is a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a good treatment option for individuals who:

•Have chronic pain and have not found relief with other treatments, like physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.

•Responded positively to diagnostic nerve blocks. Before RFA is considered, a diagnostic nerve block is usually performed to confirm that the targeted nerves are the source of pain. If the block provides significant temporary relief, RFA may be recommended.

•Are looking for a non-surgical option. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a non-surgical alternative for pain relief, making it ideal for those who wish to avoid or delay surgery.

•Do not have active infections or bleeding disorders that might complicate the procedure.

At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we carefully evaluate each patient to determine if Radiofrequency Ablation is the right treatment to help manage their pain and improve their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is RFA a surgical procedure?

No, RFA is not a surgical procedure. It is minimally invasive and usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation, meaning you won't need general anesthesia or a long recovery period.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with RFA?

RFA is generally safe, but potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or temporary increase in pain. Our specialists will discuss these risks with you and how they are managed before the procedure is done.

How long does pain relief from RFA last?

The pain relief duration varies among patients. Many experience significant relief for several months to a year, while others may require additional treatments for sustained relief.

Will I need follow-up care after RFA?

Yes, follow-up care is recommended to monitor your response to the treatment and manage any potential side effects. We will schedule follow-up visits and provide guidance on physical activity and pain management.

Expert Pain Relief with Radiofrequency Ablation at Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles

At Spine and Pain Institute Los Angeles, Radiofrequency Ablation offers a promising solution for managing chronic pain effectively with minimal downtime and risks. If you're struggling with persistent pain that hasn't responded well to other treatments, RFA could provide the relief you need to improve your quality of life. Our experienced team specializes in personalized pain management strategies and will guide you through every step of the process.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore if Radiofrequency Ablation is the right treatment option for you. Your journey to pain relief starts here!
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