Chronic Pain Is No Joke

When a person experiences consistent pain and discomfort lasting 3 or more months, a diagnosis of chronic pain is made. The pain may range in intensity but can be enough to disrupt some form of daily functioning. Chronic pain, such as lower back pain (LBP), is typical in the spine but can also happen in larger joints. Statistics show that 1 in 5 American adults struggle with chronic pain, with figures steadily increasing. This significant pain point has birthed several treatment options. However, the biggest challenge is choosing the correct choice for chronic pain management. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgery can both help with chronic pain, but which approach is best?

Your pain management options

Proper pain management aims to reduce the swelling, inflammation, and underlying symptoms of chronic pain. For instance, pain management may involve medication, such as oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid injections. Exercise, massage, and physical therapy (PT) can support the muscles around the source of the pain. For more severe cases, RFA and surgery can help.

Get the right frequency with RFA

Radiofrequency ablation is a non-surgical pain management treatment. When an individual has chronic pain, the nerves in the area constantly send pain signals to the brain. RFA disrupts this process by burning or ablating the nerve ends. The procedure uses an x-ray technique called fluoroscopy to inject a lead into the painful area. The lead then produces an electrical current that destroys the nerve endings. RFA is non-invasive and can be completed within 30-45 minutes. The procedure can reduce pain and lasts for several months.

Go deeper with surgery

In some cases, surgery is needed to address the underlying cause of chronic pain. The type of surgery will depend on the source of the injury. For instance, if chronic pain is spine-related, the surgeon can remove damaged bone or herniated discs or perform a joint fusion. These procedures can reduce pain and improve function. For joint-related issues, the surgeon may perform a total joint replacement. With a joint replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone and then installs a metal or ceramic joint. This option improves pain and mobility and is common in the knees, hips, and shoulders.

Which should you choose?

Surgery and RFA are both effective techniques that have a fantastic impact on chronic pain management. Choosing the right option depends on patient preferences, surgeon recommendations, and the severity of the injury. RFA is great for patients who wish to avoid surgery but want long-term relief. Surgery is vital if there is significant damage that does not respond to conservative treatment. The type of surgical procedure also matters as doctors can now use minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to reduce post-operative pain and speed up healing.

Put chronic pain to bed

If left untreated, chronic pain management will continue to impact daily life. While there are underlying reasons for chronic pain, RFA and surgery can help address the symptoms. The goal is to tackle chronic pain head-on before the issue becomes a significant health risk and long-term nuisance.