Paincare Florida

Radiofrequency Neurotomy

PAIN TREATMENT

Radiofrequency Neurotomy: Pain Management

Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN), sometimes called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), treats chronic pain in your facet joints. [1] If you’ve been living with chronic pain in your neck, back, hips, knees and buttocks (sacroiliac joint), radiofrequency neurotomy is a safe and effective way to get relief. It eases discomfort and improves mobility by stopping nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.

How Radiofrequency Neurotomy Works

Radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat from radio waves to turn off the nerves that send pain signals. [2] A radiofrequency needle is inserted into the joint near the targeted nerve using a real-time continuous X-ray called fluoroscopy.[3] Once the needle or probe is in place, a small electrical current is applied to confirm the correct nerve. The heat-tip then creates a lesion, which is repeated for all affected nerves. When the nerve no longer communicates with the brain, you will experience pain relief lasting for months or more. This minimally invasive procedure takes about thirty minutes to an hour, and you can go home shortly after. Within 24 hours, you can return to your normal activities.

Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Neurotomy

RFN is especially effective for chronic pain conditions linked to the spine and joints. It’s an effective option when medication and physical therapy have failed, and you’d rather avoid surgery.

Common conditions treated with radiofrequency neurotomy include:

  • Chronic neck pain [4]
  • Chronic back pain [4]
  • Arthritis [4]
  • Joint pain [4]
  • Knee pain [4]
  • Hip pain [4]
  • Shoulder pain [4]
  • Sacroiliac joint pain 4]
  • Whiplash [5
  • Pain in the buttocks and thighs [5]
  • Cancer pain [6]
  • Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain) [6]
  • Peripheral nerve pain [6]

Benefits of Radiofrequency Neurotomy

Radiofrequency neurotomy is a safe, effective alternative to surgery or strong pain medications that can significantly relieve chronic pain. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and requires no major incisions or a lengthy recovery. You can return to your regular activities as soon as the day after your procedure.

With RFN, you’ll experience long-lasting relief, often enjoying months or even years of reduced pain. It’s a safer option compared to relying on pain medications and helps you avoid the risks associated with opioids. As your pain decreases, you’ll feel better physically and emotionally, regain mobility, and improve your ability to enjoy daily life.

RFN Specialists & Pain Management Clinics

If you’ve been dealing with persistent neck or back pain due to facet joints that haven’t responded well to medications, physical therapy or other treatments, radiofrequency neurotomy may help. Experienced pain specialists utilize a comprehensive approach, combining therapeutic interventional procedures like RFN with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, tai chi and yoga.

Using a whole-body approach to pain management allows specialists to focus on treating the source of your pain. Whether your pain stems from your whiplash, nerve damage, facet joints, arthritis or cancer, you are not alone in your quest for relief.

Take the first step towards a pain-free life and explore how minimally invasive treatments like radiofrequency neurotomy can help you feel your best, move comfortably and reclaim your life.

Resources:

  1. Lee DW, Pritzlaff S, Jung MJ, et al. Latest Evidence-Based Application for Radiofrequency Neurotomy (LEARN): Best Practice Guidelines from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN). J Pain Res [Internet]. 2021 Sep 8;14:2807-2831. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S325665. PMID: 34526815; PMCID: PMC8436449. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8436449/
  2. Radiofrequency neurotomy. Mayo Clinic. [Internet]. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiofrequency-neurotomy/about/pac-20394931
  3. Radiofrequency Ablation. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/radiofrequency-ablation
  4. Kenevan M. Long-lasting pain relief with radiofrequency ablation. Mayo Clinic Health System [Internet]. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/radiofrequency-ablation-pain-relief
  5. Radiofrequency neurotomy. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiofrequency-neurotomy/about/pac-20394931
  6. Radiofrequency Ablation. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Published 2019. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17411-radiofrequency-ablation
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