Pain Management Using Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy

Most patients have to deal with pain management that accompanies chronic diseases. Some cannot manage the pain with conservative treatments like physical therapy or pain medication and, for that case, can resort to radiofrequency ablation. Radiofrequency ablation therapy can help a patient manage pain through the application of radio waves on an electric current that heats some parts of the body, calming down the tissue nerves. Austin radiofrequency ablation clinics can be resourceful in curbing pain through interventional pain management therapy.

Who Can Get Radiofrequency Ablation?

When conducting a consultation, ensure that you give your doctor as much information, which they will use to assess if you go through the procedure. The doctor will determine the severity of the pain, the methods of pain management tried before, and your location.

Radiofrequency ablation therapy is effective for the treatment of pain on the spinal cord, neck, knee, pelvic, and peripheral pain. The pain treatment therapy works best for facet-related neck and spinal pain, the facets are the connectives and bones that form the spinal cord. Each facet has unique sensory nerves that relay the information to the brain when radiofrequency therapy is used to treat specific facets, and one can effectively manage pain.

If you have nerve block to pain medication, then this could be something for you, a doctor will inject a numbing agent on your nerves to see if the pain resolves or if it goes away. If you have a nerve block, then it is best to ablate the nerves to relieve pain.

Radiofrequency, however, is not recommended for pregnant women, people with active infections, and those who have cancer. If you have bleeding problems, then the procedure might not be good for you as it could cause excess bleeding.

How to Prepare For Radiofrequency Ablation

You should take anti-inflammatory drugs for a few days before the procedure, and this will prevent severe bleeding. You should not also eat for six hours prior to the procedure, but taking clear liquids up to 2 hours will not harm you.

Patients with diabetes should adjust their dosage of insulin prior to the procedure, ensure that you consult with your primary care-giver with the adjustment. You can bring the medication with you so that you take it shortly after the procedure. Bring any other medication as you might be free to take them shortly after the procedure.

The radiofrequency ablation has sedation property, and you should not operate any machinery for 24 hours; you will, therefore, need a designated driver after the procedure.

What to Expect After Radiofrequency Ablation

After ablation, you might experience pain for a few days, but it will subdue, and you will start experiencing pain relief. You should have neck and spinal support to prevent the pain from returning. As the nerves return, you may wish to repeat radiofrequency ablation therapy to curb the pain completely.

Conclusion

Pain in the neck, spinal cord, and other parts of the body can reduce the quality of life. If you do not want to undergo conventional pain management treatments or have a nerve block to medication, then you might wish to have radiofrequency ablation therapy. Ablation procedure involves the use of radiofrequency to burn nerves and reduce the pain thus improving your condition.