Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)/Rhizotomy
At Paragon Sport Spine & Wellness, we offer Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Rhizotomy as highly effective, minimally invasive treatments for chronic pain. These procedures are specifically designed to target the nerves causing your discomfort and provide long-lasting relief from conditions like back, neck, and joint pain.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Rhizotomy?
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), also known as Rhizotomy, is a pain management procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and deactivate specific nerves that are responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. This technique is highly effective in treating chronic pain that does not respond well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication.
- RFA: Involves the insertion of a small needle near the affected nerve. Radiofrequency waves are then used to heat the nerve tissue, reducing its ability to send pain signals.
- Rhizotomy: This term is often used interchangeably with RFA, as both procedures aim to interrupt nerve activity to alleviate pain.
How Does RFA/Rhizotomy Relieve Pain?
The goal of RFA is to disrupt the pain signals being sent from the irritated nerve to the brain. Using live fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance, our specialists accurately place the needle near the targeted nerve. The radiofrequency waves generate heat, which inactivates the nerve and prevents it from transmitting pain.
This procedure is highly effective in treating pain stemming from conditions like facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and degenerative disc disease.
Conditions Treated by RFA/Rhizotomy
RFA and Rhizotomy are commonly used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions, including:
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Spinal Arthritis
- Chronic Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Degenerative Disc Disease
By directly targeting the nerves causing your pain, RFA provides a longer-lasting solution than other treatments like steroid injections.
Safety and Effectiveness of RFA/Rhizotomy
Radiofrequency Ablation is a safe, minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate in reducing or eliminating chronic pain. Most patients experience significant pain relief within a few weeks, and the results can last from several months to over a year.
Performed under live X-ray guidance, this procedure is precise, and the risk of complications is very low. While the nerve eventually regenerates, many patients benefit from long-term relief and can undergo the procedure again if needed.
