Having chronic back pain is no way to go through life. It can take away the joy of exercise, athletics, and even less physically strenuous activities you once were able to partake in without a second thought. Not only that, but chronic back pain can affect quality of sleep and can even be a near-constant distraction, robbing folks afflicted with it of the ability to focus during conversations, work, and the like.
Here at ClinTech Center for Spine Health in Johnstown, CO, we offer our patients comprehensive, cutting-edge spinal treatments ranging from cell-based therapies in the field of regenerative medicine to spine surgery and spinal and joint injections. With our unique blend of experience, innovative techniques and equipment, we have a commitment to addressing the root cause of pain rather than simply the symptoms themselves.
One of those aforementioned innovative techniques is called radiofrequency ablation, or RFA. We are proud to announce our newest treatment, and today we’d like to dedicate our post to answering some frequently asked questions in reference to radiofrequency ablation and its facets. Keep reading if you or someone you know are interested in learning more about this nerve-related spinal pain treatment!
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Let’s start with the basics. RFA can be defined as a medical procedure which involves the use of radio waves that generate an electric current that can be harnessed to nerves which are sending severe pain signals to the brain. This current will inhibit the nerve’s functional ability to transmit these pain signals. There are two primary advantages to RFA over similar treatments utilized in the past. RFA doesn’t directly stimulate nerves or heart muscle, and as such can be administered with or without general anesthetic. The second advantage is that radiofrequency ablation is a precise treatment, meaning there is little chance of collateral damage.
RFA can break the cycle of chronic back pain that many folks find themselves the victim of.
When Can I Start To See Results?
You can start to see results very soon after your RFA treatment. Folks who experience a successful procedure (between 30 and 50 percent) will usually feel a significant decrease in localized pain for nine months to 14 months. While each individual is different, it’s typically a given that the treated nerves will regenerate after this time period, meaning the pain signals will resume being transmitted to the brain.
Is RFA Safe? Are There Side Effects?
This procedure is quite safe and highly-regarded in the medical community as a treatment which has very few side effects. It is highly rare to find an associated complication, although there is a minor risk of infection at the insertion site. Having a qualified medical professional like Dr. Techy at ClinTech Center for Spine Health aids in being able to appropriately monitor the risk for a situation such as that.