reviews from patients who have had rfarip radiofrequency ablation treatment for low back pain

by Dr. Joaquin Blick Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Radiofrequency ablation for back pain reviews are not good. RFA was a great technology for its time that helped patients in the short run and likely hurt them in the long run. However, with all of the new platelet and stem-cell-based options for the spine, it seems like this new RFA disc treatment has arrived very late to the party.

Full Answer

How does radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treat low back pain?

Aug 22, 2016 · Radiofrequency ablation for back pain reviews are not good. RFA was a great technology for its time that helped patients in the short run and likely hurt them in the long run. However, with all of the new platelet and stem-cell-based options for the spine, it seems like this new RFA disc treatment has arrived very late to the party.

Which conditions are treated with radiofrequency ablation?

Feb 26, 2020 · The Ablation burns the nerves and the pain during the burnings are intense. I was able to tolerate it still it was tough. Afterward It was like the other injections 15 minutes recovery, and I was able to walk as before, I did not notice any immediate change in my pain level. I did as I was instructed ice and rest.

Are radiofrequency back pain treatment reviews good?

Sep 11, 2019 · Radiofrequency Ablation for Arthritis Pain. Medically Reviewed by David Zelman, MD on September 11, 2019. Radiofrequency ablation (or RFA) is a procedure used to reduce pain. An electrical current ...

How long does radiofrequency ablation last?

I have had a RF Ablation for SI joint pain. The description is pretty much as stated before, but I felt it to be the same pain as from the injections. I am pushing forward to the end of year 1, and...

How successful is radiofrequency ablation for back pain?

Many have found radiofrequency nerve ablation to be 70-80% effective for those who have had successful nerve blocks. Patients will experience pain relief as soon as ten days after treatment, and it can last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years.

How long does it take to feel better after radiofrequency ablation?

Full pain relief can be expected within 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure, since it can take some time for the ablated nerves to die and stop sending pain signals. It is possible that you may feel uncharacteristically weak in the back or neck during this time, which will fade as you recover.

Is radiofrequency ablation successful?

Radiofrequency ablation is 70-80% effective in people who have successful nerve blocks. The procedure can be repeated if needed.

What can go wrong with radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation procedure-related risks.

Superficial skin infections over the injection site. Damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerves during needle insertion resulting in excessive bleeding and/or irreversible neurologic damage causing long-term numbness and tingling.

What is next step if radiofrequency ablation doesn't work?

Repeat the procedure.

In some cases, the nerves targeted in the procedure may grow back, so your pain will return. If the radiofrequency ablation relieved your pain temporarily, but then returned after a few months, it may be beneficial to repeat the procedure.Feb 23, 2020

Do nerves grow back after a radiofrequency ablation?

It can take three or more weeks for the full effects of radiofrequency ablation to be felt. The pain relief may last six months to a year or even longer. Sometimes, nerves do grow back. In such cases, the radiofrequency ablation may need to be repeated.

Can nerve ablation make pain worse?

In fact, it's normal for some people to experience a tiny bit of increased pain in the first few days after radiofrequency ablation because the nerves may be irritated. Don't worry, pain will decrease with time, and it may take several days before you start feeling some pain relief.

How many times can radiofrequency ablation be repeated?

Radiofrequency neurotomy or denervation is usually effective after one treatment. The procedure may be repeated every 6 months to 1 year, if necessary.

How often can you have radiofrequency ablation?

If the patient's level of relief is only minimal after undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment, then it can be repeated two or three weeks later.Jan 13, 2022

What happens after lumbar nerve ablation?

Your back may feel numb, weak, or itchy for a couple weeks. Full pain relief normally comes in two to three weeks. You can typically return to work or normal daily activities they day following the procedure, but always check with your physician first. Typically patients will resume full activity the next day.

Can nerve ablation be permanent?

Radiofrequency neurotomy isn't a permanent fix for back or neck pain. Studies on the success of treatment have been conflicting. Some people may have modest, short-term pain relief, while others might feel better for several months. Sometimes, the treatment does not improve pain or function at all.Feb 25, 2022

What is radiofrequency ablation?

In this Article. Radiofrequency ablation (or RFA) is a procedure used to reduce pain. An electrical current produced by a radio wave is used to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, thereby decreasing pain signals from that specific area.

What is RFA used for?

RFA can be used to help patients with chronic (long-lasting) low-back and neck pain and pain related to the degeneration of joints from arthritis.

How long does pain last after RFA?

Pain relief from RFA can last from six to 12 months and in some cases, relief can last for years. More than 70% of patients treated with RFA experience pain relief.

What is IV line?

An intravenous (IV) line may be placed in a vein in your arm before the procedure and a local anesthetic and mild sedative may be used to reduce any discomfort during RFA. You may be awake during the process to aid in properly assessing the procedure. Ask your doctor about specifics beforehand.

How long after a syringe removal can you drive?

Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure. You may resume your normal diet. Do not engage in any strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Do not take a bath for one to two days after the procedure; you may shower.

What is the best treatment for low back pain?

For subacute to chronic low back pain, an adequate trial of movement-based physical therapy and an independent home program are paramount. Medications and injections are used for pain beyond what can be controlled with exercise, or to allow enough pain relief for active participation in therapy and home programs.

What is the advantage of Cleveland Clinic?

A major advantage of large multispecialty spine care practices such as Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Spine Health is the broad scope of treatment options that are available to treat low back pain.

Why use RFA?

Using treatments such as RFA and/or injections as part of a comprehensive spine care path, rather than as isolated treatments, leads to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

What is radiofrequency neuroablation?

Radiofrequency neuroablation, or lesioning, has recently been used successfully as a treatment for chronic, refractory neck pain from whiplash injury, a condition in which recent scientific research has identified spinal facet joints as commonly responsible for persistent pain. Facet joints may also be the source for pain in certain types ...

Is radiofrequency denervation effective?

Radiofrequency denervation is gaining acceptance as an effective treatment option with minimal risk and low morbidity when more conservative approaches fail to relieve symptomatic relief. It is also successfully used for neuro-ablation of the ganglia in sympathetically maintained pain syndromes.

Is lumbar spine pathology a problem?

Lumbar spine pathology is certainly a common and sometimes difficult problem to treat. Low back disorders are the most common site of problems along the entire spinal axis. In understanding the proper use of radiofrequency lesions and the treatment of chronic pain emanating from the lumbar spine, it is important to understand the correct anatomy and pathoanatomy of the lumbar spine itself. 2

What are the side effects of radiofrequency ablation?

Immediately after radiofrequency ablation, the following side effects may be experienced: 1 Burning and/or hypersensitivity over the injection site 2 Numbness and/or tingling over the injection site

What are the risks of RFA?

A few examples of risks associated with the RFA procedure are: Hyperesthesia— an excessive, abnormal sensitivity over the skin of the injection site. Superficial skin infections over the injection site.

Treatment FAQ