FAQ's

Radiofrequency Ablation

What is Pain Management using Radiofrequency Ablation?

This is a non-surgical, outpatient alternative, helping alleviate pain and improve the quality of your life using radio waves to disrupt pain signals.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation involves the use of radiofrequency energy to heat the targeted nerve tissue and interrupt pain signals. Live x-ray imaging helps guide a needle that delivers an electrode that in turn directs radiofrequency energy to the targeted area. These radio waves cause an electrical current, heating nerve tissue in a localized area near the tip of the needle. This interrupts pain signals, providing you with relief.

Who is a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency is best used when more conservative measures are ineffective.

Will the procedure hurt?

Local anesthetic numbs the target area, minimalizing discomfort during the procedure while your physician may employ other numbing medications and sedation, as deemed necessary.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

Will my pain be cured?

Your back or neck pain may remain for 1-4 days following the procedure. This is because of the residual effects related to the ablated nerve. The pain relief resultant from this treatment can last from 9 months to 2 years. Because the nerves may regenerate over time, additional procedures may be required.

Percutaneous Discectomy Probe

Did you know?

Patients afflicted by contained disc herniations can now turn to percutaneous discectomy as an alternative treatment when less conservative options fail.

This treatment offers you an alternative that is not as invasive as traditional surgery.

What type of pain can be treated?

This procedure addresses radicular pain associated with contained disc herniations

How does the procedure work?

The DEKOMPRESSOR® discectomy probe removes disc material which alleviates pressure on the disc and nearby nerves.

Will the procedure hurt?

Because of the advanced nature of the probe used in this procedure, you will experience little pain. The probe uses a small needle that is injected into the skin.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure is relatively short, taking 15 minutes to an hour in most cases.

What training is required for the physician to perform this procedure?

A physician must be board certified in a discipline such as interventional pain management, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, radiology or physiatry.

Can my pain be cured?

The pain may be eliminated in some cases, but in most cases, this procedure followed by appropriate follow-up care will help mitigate pain, reducing it to an acceptable level.