Innovative Options For Arthritis Pain
With age comes wear and tear on joints. As cartilage between the joints thins, people may experience arthritis, pain, and swelling. Especially when arthritis begins to affect the spine, people can get pinched nerves that cause significant pain. When treatments like medication and physical therapy are no longer decreasing pain, patients may consider a procedure called radiofrequency ablation.
How does the treatment work?
The procedure works by heating an area of nerve tissue with an electric current. The goal is for this nerve to stop sending pain signals to the brain. For many patients, the result is a significant reduction in chronic pain caused by arthritis.
What to expect during ablation
Radiofrequency ablation starts with the doctor administering an anesthetic to help numb the affected area. Then, the doctor will pinpoint the area of pain with a small needle. In some cases, an x-ray may help find the exact location. Through the needle, a microelectrode sends a low radiofrequency current to the affected area.
What happens after the procedure?
Radiofrequency ablation is performed as an outpatient treatment, which means that patients can typically return home the same day. For some patients, this treatment can provide pain relief that lasts for years. For others, the pain may go away for 6 months to a year. The results from the procedure can vary depending on the reason for the pain and the location of the pain.
Preparing for ablation
Before the treatment, doctors recommend that patients stop taking any medicines that can affect blood clotting for at least 2 weeks. Patients will also need to stop eating at least 6 hours before the procedure and consume only clear liquids in the 2 hours before the radiofrequency ablation.
More pain management options
Not all pain management treatments work the same for everyone. Some patients may benefit from pain medications, either over-the-counter or prescription. Others may experience significant relief from getting steroid injections every few months. Many doctors will recommend that patients with chronic pain go through physical therapy to help reduce pain and learn how to move better.
Am I a good candidate?
Radiofrequency ablation is commonly effective for arthritis of the spine, low back pain, neck pain, lingering pain from old injuries, and whiplash. Most people tolerate the treatment well. However, those with active infections or problems with bleeding are not good candidates for radiofrequency ablation. For more information about arthritis treatment and pain management options, speak with a healthcare provider.
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“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
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“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
