What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
What is its role after an Injury?
Radiofrequency ablation is a pain management technique that uses an electrical current to heat up a small area of nerve tissue and decrease pain signals to the brain.
RFA Does Not "Fix" an Underlying Condition
RFA can diminish pain, even alleviate it entirely for a limited amount of time. The back or spine condition however, remains if it is not treated. In some cases, the injury is permanent and Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is reached while the pain remains.
If causation is established, damages must be evaluated. Where a Plaintiff is experiencing chronic pain as a result of the litigated event, a long term plan for managing pain is a part of the medicolegal expert’s task.
Radiofrequency Ablation is one of several methods to treat chronic pain but, when effective, has the potential to reduce pain for as long as a year, in some cases.
Steroid injections and nerve blocks, on the other hand, are generally effective for only days, weeks or months.
Because it is minimally invasive, complications of RFA are unusual.
RFA is Not a Permanent Solution to Pain
RFA is not always permanent and a Plaintiff might need different procedures multiple times, and over a lifetime if the underlying injury is not repaired or cannot be repaired.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Works
Before this relatively quick outpatient procedure, a mild sedative may be administered by a physician, making the patient feel drowsy, and local anesthesia in the area of the spine where they are experiencing pain.
Using fluoroscopy, a special type of x-ray, will help direct the needle to the exact nerves designated for treatment.
An electrode is placed inside this needle, which delivers a small amount of radiofrequency current into the surrounding tissue. There may be a slight tingling, but the person should experience little pain during the procedure.
These steps are repeated for all affected nerves, and the entire procedure can be undertaken in less than 30 minutes.
Nerve blocks as a Diagnostic Tool
RFA may be applied to one or more nerves. Results can indicate if the problem lies with a different nerve or nerves. Similarly, a nerve block can also identify if the damaged nerve has been treated, or if other nerves are involved. A doctor now has more information to inform next steps.
Nerve blocks as a Diagnostic Tool
RFA may be applied to one or more nerves. Results can indicate if the problem lies with a different nerve or nerves. Similarly, a nerve block can also identify if the damaged nerve has been treated, or if other nerves are involved. A doctor now has more information to inform next steps.
Recovery After Radiofrequency Ablation
After a radiofrequency ablation treatment, the person should refrain from strenuous activity for 24 hours. They may gradually introduce normal activities the day after treatment; however, if they are in too much pain, they should rest until they feel better.
They may experience soreness at the insertion site and muscle spasms in the back during the week following radiofrequency ablation.
How long will pain relief last?
6 Months to a Year
Depending on the nature and severity of the pain, pain relief from radiofrequency ablation may be achieved for anywhere from six months to a year. Some people find that the positive effects of ablation last even longer.
