Radiofrequency ablation is a pain-reducing medical procedure usually used to treat chronic back pain, joint pain, neck pain, and nerve injuries, mostly caused by arthritis or acute injuries. The process involves the insertion of a catheter into the affected region to identify the affected nerves. The energy from the radiofrequency waves is directed to the affected nerves, and the energy burns the nerve fibers where the pain originates, stopping it from sending pain signals to the brain. This ablating procedure is usually done after the patient has been sedated and the area around the affected nerves has been numbed using local anesthetics. In radiofrequency ablation Naples, they offer a diagnostic nerve block to identify the affected nerves and then carry on with the ablation procedure in their regenerative institute. This process is generally non-pharmaceutical and is directed to only act on the affected nerves without destroying the other surrounding nerves.
Advantages of radiofrequency ablation
The process has a very high success rate of relieving pain. Radiofrequency Ablation is also a minimally invasive process; no surgical process is required to identify and treat the affected area. This ensures minimal disruption to the skin and reduces the risk of infections. On the other hand, the recovery process is swift, and one is usually discharged on the same day of the procedure. Opting for this procedure is also advantageous as one does not have to seek pharmaceutical drugs for pain management. There is also improved function of the organs as the heat used in radiofrequency ablation only destroys the affected nerves with minimum disruption to the other body parts.
Effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation
After the procedure, most people have some pain relief, varying from one person to another due to the various causes of the pain and the area affected. Pain relief can occur immediately for some individuals, whereas in others, it occurs within ten days or maybe up to three weeks in others. Pain relief can last from six months to 12 months. For some people, the relief lasts a few years. Others may have only limited pain relief. With Regular checkups and health visits, your healthcare provider will give the best treatment outcomes depending on the specific cause of the pain. This will increase the success rate of your procedure and the period in which the pain relief will last.
Side effects of radiofrequency ablation
The procedure Has minimal side effects. During the procedure, one might experience minimal pain similar to the pain felt on the nerve. The pain may last up to two weeks after the procedure, and one is required to use an icepack on the affected region. One may feel numbness temporarily in the area where the needle was injected. After the procedure, one is given a rest period of around 2 to 3 days, where one is required not to do any strenuous work. Even after the procedure, the treated nerve can grow again. This usually happens about 6 to 12 months after the procedure. In such a situation, your health caregiver can redo the Radiofrequency ablation process if necessary.
Risks encountered during frequency ablation.
Subtly, bleeding or infection may occur on the skin surface where the probe is inserted. During the needle insertion, surrounding nerves and blood vessels may be affected, causing irreversible neurological damage.
The radiofrequency ablation procedure is generally safe and convenient for most patients. Medical practitioners are now considering this procedure for pain relief compared to the various pharmaceutical drugs, which are not as effective. Even with this treatment, patients are encouraged to continue taking care of themselves to avoid recurrence or stimulating the pain triggers, depending on the specific cause of the pain.
