Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a procedure for treating chronic pain in the spine or nerve-related pain. It is also known as radiofrequency thermocoagulation or rhizotomy.
RF ablation is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure in which RF energy is used to disrupt nerve function. When this occurs, the nerve can no longer carry pain signals.
Who will benefit from it?
RF ablation is performed on patients suffering from facet joint pain, discogenic pain, sciatica or sacroiliac joint pain. It can also be used to treat certain neuropathic pain conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and post-herpetic neuralgia (post-shingles pain). Certain cancer pain conditions may also benefit from RF ablation.
What is facet joint pain?
Facet joints connect the bones in the spinal column that extends from the neck to the lower back. Degeneration (wear and tear) or trauma to the facet joints can lead to headache, neck, upper back and low back pain. For example, pain from the cervical spine facet joints may cause headaches, neck and shoulder pain. Pain is usually aggravated by twisting movements of the spine.
What is discogenic pain?
Degeneration within the intervertebral discs (the cushions between bones) can also cause pain in the spine. This is called discogenic pain. Prolonged sitting or bending forward may trigger the pain or the pain may manifest as a constant aching pain throughout the day.
What is sacroiliac joint pain?
Sacroiliac joint pain may present as a severe ache or discomfort in the lower back or buttock, which is usually worse in the morning and aggravated by prolonged sitting.
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe, debilitating neuropathic pain condition involving the trigeminal nerve. It presents with sharp, episodic pain in the face, commonly the cheek and the jaw. Pain is triggered by talking, eating, brushing teeth, etc.
How is RF ablation done?
RF ablation is performed as a day surgical procedure. Sedation is administered to help you relax and local anaesthesia is used to numb your skin. Your doctor will insert a thin needle to the target nerves. Fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, will be used to guide the needle. Once the needle is properly positioned, local anaesthetics will be administered and RF energy will be applied to disrupt the nerves.
Radiofrequency ablation of nerve supply to painful joints
How is RF ablation done?
RF ablation is performed as a day surgical procedure. Sedation is administered to help you relax and local anaesthesia is used to numb your skin. Your doctor will insert a thin needle to the target nerves. Fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, will be used to guide the needle. Once the needle is properly positioned, local anaesthetics will be administered and RF energy will be applied to disrupt the nerves.
How long can I expect the pain relief to last?
In general, most patients experience a significant pain relief for about two years. Nerves will be regenerated after RF ablation, but the duration varies from person to person. However, the pain may or may not return when your nerves are regenerated. If pain recurs, RF ablation can be repeated.
For more information or an appointment, please call 6311 2310 or email paincentre@rafflesmedical.com
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