Ready To Treat Your Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain has risen at exponential rates over the years. Today, 1 in 5 Americans adults suffer from chronic pain. Luckily, chronic pain treatment options have kept pace with both surgical and non-surgical options. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one such procedure that can bring long-term relief.
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic pain. The goal is to ablate or burn the nerves nearest to the location of the pain. Radiofrequency ablation is primarily used for spinal arthritis, lower back or neck pain but can be used for other joints. The procedure is not the first step in pain management. Doctors will suggest RFA if treatments like medication and physical therapy fail. If successful, RFA can last up to a year.
What happens during radiofrequency ablation?
A pain specialist, radiologist, or neurologist usually performs RFA. Before treatment, the doctor will outline all the dos and don’ts of the procedure. Make sure to follow all instructions to reduce the risk. Next, the patients will lay on the operating table, and a local anesthetic is applied to the pain area. The doctor will then use a special x-ray called fluoroscopy, which helps to view the needle. Once the needle is in place, often with the guidance of the patient, an electrical current is then activated. The current burns off the nerve ends at one or multiple sites.
Can you leave on the same day?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure. That means the patient can leave the same day. After the injection, the patient will be checked to make sure there aren’t any complications. With the assistance of a family member or friend, the patient can then be driven home. The patient should feel some pain after the procedure for a few days. Then the patient should feel relief after 10 days. The relief should last for several months. In some cases, RFA can last up to one year.
Does it work?
RFA can bring long-term pain relief and can improve the quality of life. Furthermore, the procedure can help doctors confirm if there is an underlying spinal issue. Statistics show that at least 60% of patients feel relief after treatment. Not only is RFA minimally invasive, but effective. If chronic pain is affecting the quality of life, ask a doctor or pain specialist about RFA. The doctor will recommend the procedure, especially if non-surgical methods failed in the past.
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“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“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 ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“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.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“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 nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“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.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
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