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If you suffer from neck pain, back pain, or other forms of ongoing discomfort, simple pain-reducing options are available at Alliance Spine & Pain. The practice offers radiofrequency ablation to reduce pain signals and provide long-lasting pain relief. Call one of the offices in Austell, Augusta, Woodstock, Atlanta, Marietta, Conyers, Lawrenceville, Jasper, Cartersville, Dallas, Suwanee, Covington, Carrollton, Canton, Sandy Springs, Douglasville, Peachtree City, or Roswell, Georgia, or use the online booking feature today.
Radiofrequency Ablation Q & A
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a pain-reducing treatment that uses radiofrequency energy and a needle to heat and interrupt nerve signals to your brain. The treatment diminishes neck pain, back pain, and other types of severe or ongoing discomfort. Radiofrequency ablation is long-lasting and highly effective.
Is radiofrequency ablation right for me?
To determine if radiofrequency nerve ablation is right for you, an Alliance Spine & Pain specialist discusses your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. They complete a physical exam and may order blood tests, nerve tests, or imaging procedures to pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort.
Your provider may recommend radiofrequency ablation following two successful diagnostic nerve blocks.
What should I expect during radiofrequency ablation?
Your pain specialist completes radiofrequency ablation right in the office. Plan to check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Your provider places a tiny intravenous (IV) catheter in your arm or hand to administer light sedation and help you relax.
You then lie down on your stomach with a pillow beneath your hips or under your chest. Your provider cleans the treatment area and uses a thin needle to numb your skin.
They use X-ray guidance to identify specific tissues, place needles into such tissues, and emit radiofrequency energy to burn painful nerves. You might notice tingling, buzzing, or thumping sensations during the treatment.
Radiofrequency ablation often lasts about 45-60 minutes.
What happens after radiofrequency ablation?
After undergoing radiofrequency ablation, the Alliance Spine & Pain specialists monitor you for a short time. Have a family member or friend drive you home after the procedure.
You might have soreness at the injection site for a few days and deep muscle soreness for several weeks. Take it easy the day of your treatment and perform activities as tolerated if your provider gives you the okay. You can likely return to work the day after radiofrequency ablation. Pain relief resulting after radiofrequency ablation may last for about 24 months.
Call the Alliance Spine & Pain office nearest you today, or use the online booking feature to learn more about radiofrequency ablation and determine if it’s right for you.