Radiofrequency Ablation: What It Is and How It Can Help Relieve Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting daily life and overall well-being. For individuals seeking long-lasting relief without relying solely on medication or invasive surgery, radiofrequency ablation offers a highly effective, minimally invasive solution. This innovative treatment targets the source of pain, allowing patients to regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
 

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to manage chronic pain by disrupting nerve signals that transmit pain to the brain. This technique involves using a specialized needle to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy to targeted nerves, creating a precise thermal lesion that interrupts their ability to send pain signals. RFA is commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis-related joint pain, back pain, and neck pain. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and guided by imaging techniques to ensure accuracy.
 

How Does RFA Help Relieve Chronic Back Pain?

Chronic back pain often stems from conditions such as facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or degenerative disc disease. These conditions can cause inflammation and irritation of the small nerves that supply the joints and tissues in the spine.
 

By using RFA to interrupt these nerve signals, patients can experience:

• Significant Pain Reduction: Many patients report up to 70-80% pain relief following the procedure.

• Improved Functionality: With less pain, individuals can move more freely and participate in daily activities.

• Long-Lasting Relief: Pain relief from RFA typically lasts between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the individual and the condition being treated.
   

What Are the Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation?

• Minimally Invasive: RFA is performed as an outpatient procedure, often taking less than an hour.

• Quick Recovery: Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure.

• Reduced Dependence on Medications: By addressing the root cause of pain, RFA can help minimize reliance on pain medications.

• Safe and Effective: RFA has been used successfully for decades with a low risk of complications.

Who Is a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

RFA may be an excellent option for individuals who:

• Have chronic back pain that has not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications

• Experienced temporary pain relief from a diagnostic nerve block

• Prefer a non-surgical approach to managing pain
   

Get Started at Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine Today

Chronic back pain can feel overwhelming, but innovative treatments like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offer hope for long-lasting relief. By targeting the source of pain and disrupting nerve signals, RFA empowers patients to regain their mobility and improve their quality of life without the need for invasive surgery or prolonged medication use.
 

If chronic back pain has been holding you back, contact Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine to schedule a consultation and learn more about how radiofrequency ablation can help you reclaim your life. Visit our office in Lake Geneva or Kenosha, Wisconsin, or call (262) 299-6199 to book an appointment today.