In most cases, when you develop chronic pain, you are usually frustrated and in a lot of pain, and it can be difficult to find the right treatment. You may try various treatment methods that have worked wonders for your friends but may not work for you, such as epidural steroid injections and physical therapy. If these methods fail, radiofrequency ablation should be considered. This minimally invasive technique is used to treat chronic neck pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and back facet joint pain. Here is everything you need to know before undergoing radiofrequency ablation Naples treatment for chronic pain.
What precisely is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation therapy uses pulsed radio waves to momentarily block pain signals from getting into the brain. To work effectively, radio waves are produced at a very high frequency and may relieve your pain for at least 3-6 months. This treatment is extremely effective in the treatment of spinal nerve pain. It works by averting pain signals from traveling from an affected nerve to other areas.
What happens before your Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment?
Your doctor will perform some tests before performing radiofrequency ablation to determine which nerves are impacted, causing pain in your neck, sacroiliac joint, or back. The doctor will then administer a nerve block jab to see if it can temporarily relieve your chronic pain.
If your doctor has injected a nerve block and it relieves your pain, it means your doctor has discovered your pain source. You will be eligible for radiofrequency ablation.
Preparing for a Radiofrequency Ablation
Before undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment, it is important to comprehend that each patient has unique requirements. As a result, your doctor will give you instructions based on your condition and treatment.
The instructions for your condition may vary, such as dressing in loose clothes, slip-on shoes, and comfortable clothes, not eating 6 hours before your procedure, and not wearing jewelry. To avoid complications, you must also notify your doctor if you are taking medication.
How will the radiofrequency ablation be performed by the doctor?
You will be sedated with a local anesthetic around the treatment area before your doctor begins Radiofrequency ablation treatment. The doctor will use an electrode current to create a pulsating wave of energy that will change or stun the nerve tissue on your body, thereby blocking pain signal transmission. You will most likely feel warmth or a mild thumping sensation in the treatment areas.
When the doctor is finished with the Radiofrequency ablation procedure, the electrodes and needles will be removed. The treatment area is then cleansed, and your doctor will wrap it in small bandages.
What to Expect Following Treatment
If your treatment is conducted on an outpatient basis, your doctor will discharge you to go back home. It would be best to keep the bandages in the treatment area in place. Also, avoid taking a bath, soaking the treatment area, or swimming. You can remove the bandages after a day and take a shower.
Avoid strenuous activity for about a day or two. Within three days, most people feel well enough to resume their regular activities. Ablated nerves may continue to convey pain signals for up to two weeks after the procedure.
The impact of chronic pain can be devastating to your body. Visit Naples Regenerative Institute to get the proper treatment that suits your needs. You can use an online scheduler or call the office line to set an appointment.
