What is radiofrequency
nerve ablation?
Radiofrequency nerve ablation is the term
used when radio waves are generated 
and used to produce heat.
By generating
heat around a nerve, the nerves ability to transmit pain is destroyed, thus
ablating the nerve.
What nerve is
ablated?
Radiofrequency ablation is used to destroy
the nerves that supply the facet joints in the spine. These joints are the
small posterior joints on either side of the spine. These joints can be one
source of back pain.
How is it determined if I
am a candidate for this procedure?
Prior to consideration of a radiofrequency
nerve ablation procedure, the source of your pain needs to be determined by
using diagnostic blocks on the various structures in the spine. Once it is
established that the facet joints are causing your back pain, you may be a
candidate for the actual procedure. The nerve ablation will effectively
destroy the nerve fibers around the joint, which transit the pain sensation
from the facet joint.
What procedure is done for
the ablation?
The technique used for the nerve ablation is
similar to that used for the diagnostic blocks. A thin needle is inserted
down to the region of the facet joint, which is responsible for the pain.
Each joint has two nerves, which supply the joint therefore, 2 needle
positions for each joint will be needed. The placement of the needle will be
under x-ray guidance. Once the needle is in place you will receive a numbing
medication and the radiofrequency stimulation will occur through the needle
already in place. This takes approximately 90 seconds. This will be repeated
at each needle site. The needle will be removed and the procedure is
complete.
What is the
long-term effect of the injections?
Once the nerves which carry pain sensation
from the painful joint are destroyed you should be free of the back pain you
are experiencing, if it is coming from this structure. These nerves may
regrow over a period of approximately 6 months. Time, physical therapy and
increased muscle strength around this joint may make this joint less painful
over the following 6 months so that when the nerves do regenerate you will
not experience the same intensity of pain as prior to the procedure. If you
have a recurrence of pain this procedure can be repeated.
What do I do prior to the
procedure?
You should allow approximately 1 to 2 hours for
the procedure. You should not have taken any anti-inflammatory medication
for at least 5 days prior to the injection. You will need to arrange a
driver to take you home after the procedure.
What do I do after the
procedure?
You should receive some pain medications upon
leaving the office. You should not experience debilitating back pain fever
or chills. If this occurs you should contact the treating physician.
If you
have some mild increased pain this should subside over the following 10
days to two weeks. A follow up appointment will be made for you on leaving
the office for 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
