Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a pain treatment that uses radio waves and a tiny needle to heat and destroy targeted nerves. The treatment damages the affected nerves, reducing the pain signals they send to your brain. Radiofrequency ablation is a highly effective way to reduce severe or ongoing pain — especially in your back, neck, and arthritic joints.

What are the benefits of radiofrequency ablation?

The benefits you can experience when choosing radiofrequency ablation at the North Houston Pain Center include:

• Less pain
• Improved musculoskeletal function
• Easier mobility
• Improved range of motion
• Little to no recovery time
• Reduced need for pain medicine
• No surgery

Radiofrequency ablation requires just a day or two of rest after the procedure, which means you can immediately return to your regular activities.

Is radiofrequency ablation right for me?

The common reasons for radiofrequency ablation include:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Pain following nerve block injections
• Discomfort that doesn’t respond to other treatments
• Ongoing discomfort
• Cancer pain
• Arthritis discomfort
• Tumors
• Heart-rhythm problems
• Peripheral nerve pain
• Facial discomfort

Your North Houston Pain Center provider asks about your lifestyle, medical history, and symptoms to determine if you’re a candidate for the procedure.

They check your vital signs and complete physical and neurological exams. They often recommend diagnostic tests — blood panels, nerve-function testing, or imaging procedures (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans).

What should I expect during the procedure?

You lie down on your stomach on an X-ray table during radiofrequency ablation. Your pain management specialist offers you medicine to relax you. They numb the treatment area and insert a needle into painful areas using fluoroscopy (a moving X-ray) to accurately guide the needle placement.

Your specialist injects more numbing medicine and radiofrequency currents through the needle to heat and destroy the affected nerves. They can treat more than one nerve during the same procedure. Radiofrequency ablation takes 15 minutes to two hours, sometimes longer, depending on which nerves and how many need ablating.

What happens after radiofrequency ablation?

After you undergo radiofrequency ablation, you can go home shortly afterward. Have a family member or friend drive you home, get plenty of rest, and avoid strenuous activities until your specialist gives the OK.

For several days, you might have soreness or muscle spasms at the treatment site. Ice the area if needed to reduce discomfort or swelling. Attend physical therapy sessions if your provider asks you to, and go to all your follow-up appointments at the North Houston Pain Center.

Call the North Houston Pain Center today or book an appointment online to learn more about radiofrequency ablation.