If you are experiencing back pain that does not respond to other treatment methods, including medication and physical therapy, a Radiofrequency Ablation NYC may help. The minimally invasive procedure is used to eliminate pain from pinched nerves, musculoskeletal problems and more. The expert doctors at NYU Langone make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure by taking a complete medical history and examining you carefully.
Facet joint problems often cause neck, back and arm pain. They can even cause headaches and nausea in some patients. At Downtown Pain Physicians, we provide targeted Radiofrequency Facet Ablation (RFA) to help alleviate these symptoms. RFA involves injecting the facet joint with an anesthetic and then heating the area using heat energy to destroy the affected nerve tissue. The result is long-lasting pain relief and improved function.
Unlike steroid injections, which block pain signals from the brain, RFA targets the specific nerves that are sending painful signals. Your doctor can determine which nerves are responsible for your pain by performing a diagnostic block before the actual procedure. Once this is done, they can proceed with the actual RFA.
You should not eat or drink anything for about 24 hours before the procedure. You will also need a ride home from the surgery center, since you will be under sedation during the process. Afterward, you should feel some soreness or pain at the injection site for a few days. Your doctor may prescribe you pain medication and ice packs for relief. If you are on anticoagulant medications or have a blood disorder, you should get pre-procedure clearance from your doctor before you undergo the procedure.
Before beginning the procedure, your doctor will numb the injection area with a local anesthetic. Then, they will insert a needle into the skin to place a microelectrode underneath it. This is where the electric current will flow, and you should feel a slight tingling sensation as it runs through the electrode.
The radiofrequency ablation device uses a low-frequency electrical current to heat the targeted area and kill the damaged nerves. The resulting reduction in pain and improvement in range of motion is usually substantial. In some cases, the pain relief can last for up to a year.
During the procedure, your doctor will check for bleeding and monitor your heart rate and blood pressure. If you have an infection or are pregnant, you should not receive the treatment. In addition, you should avoid consuming alcohol or smoking for 24 hours before your appointment.