Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
SI Joint Dysfunction
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
1:55
4. Pseudosciatica
1:48
5. SI Joint Injection
1:49
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
6. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Pelvic and Perineal Pain
1:52
7. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. CRPS I
1:57
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
3. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Radiofrequency Ablation
Diagnosis & Understanding
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Endoscopic Rhizotomy
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Radiofrequency Ablation (Peripheral Nerves)
1746881816
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of peripheral nerves is a minimally invasive procedure that helps relieve chronic pain by targeting the nerves responsible for sending pain signals. It is commonly used for foot, ankle, hip, and shoulder pain, as well as spinal pain from facet joint or sacroiliac joint issues.
The procedure involves inserting a thin needle near the affected nerve, guided by X-ray or ultrasound for accuracy. Once the needle is in place, radiofrequency energy generates heat, disrupting the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals. Since nerves regenerate over time, the procedure may need to be repeated every six months for continued relief.
RFA is an option for those with chronic pain that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, medications, or injections. It is especially effective for joint-related pain, osteoarthritis, and certain nerve conditions. Alternatives include conservative treatments, pulsed RFA, and in some cases, surgery.
While generally safe, potential side effects include temporary pain or swelling at the injection site. Serious complications like infection or nerve damage are rare. A diagnostic nerve block is typically performed first to confirm the right target before moving forward with RFA.
Stopping blood thinners is usually not necessary, but you should check with your doctor beforehand.
Recovery is quick, with most people returning to normal activities within a day or two. Pain relief typically begins within a week and can last several months. If needed, repeat RFA treatments can help maintain long-term relief. Our team is here to help guide you throughout the process.
FAQs
Are there any alternatives to radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain management?
Yes, alternatives to RFA include conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and corticosteroid injections. Other minimally invasive options include pulsed RFA and cryoneurolysis. In some cases, surgery might be considered for severe or non-responsive conditions.
How long does it take to recover from radiofrequency ablation, and how quickly does pain relief occur?
Recovery from RFA is usually quick, with most people returning to normal activities within a day or two. Pain relief typically begins within a week and can last several months. For sustained relief, repeat RFA treatments may be necessary.
What are the potential side effects of radiofrequency ablation?
While RFA is generally safe, potential side effects include temporary pain or swelling at the injection site. Serious complications, such as infection or nerve damage, are rare. A diagnostic nerve block is typically performed first to confirm the correct target and minimize risks.
What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of peripheral nerves?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of peripheral nerves is a minimally invasive procedure that helps relieve chronic pain by targeting specific nerves that send pain signals. The procedure involves inserting a thin needle near the affected nerve, guided by X-ray or ultrasound, and using radiofrequency energy to generate heat, which disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.
What types of pain can radiofrequency ablation treat?
RFA is commonly used to treat chronic pain in the foot, ankle, hip, and shoulder, as well as spinal pain associated with facet joint or sacroiliac joint issues. It is particularly effective for joint-related pain, osteoarthritis, and certain nerve conditions.