How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Help with Spine Pain?

Chronic pain in the spine can disrupt each part of your life, from work and exercise to how well you sleep. If you've been exploring solutions, you may have heard about radiofrequency ablation. But what is radiofrequency ablation, and how does it help with pain due to spinal conditions? 

 A radiofrequency ablation procedure uses heat generated from radiofrequency (RF) energy to disrupt pain signals sent from specific nerves to the brain. 

If you want to know how to improve mobility and feel more like yourself again, call Aspire Spine & Headache Pain Center and meet with a pain management doctor today. Our team members in Raleigh, NC are ready to help you get back to the activities you love without pain. 

What is radiofrequency ablation? 

There are countless ways to manage unwanted pain, including prescription painkillers and invasive surgery. So, what is radiofrequency ablation? As mentioned, this treatment uses heat from RF energy to interrupt pain signals sent from specific nerves to the brain. Unlike solutions that only mask pain, radiofrequency ablation targets the source of discomfort. 

What radiofrequency ablation is like 

If you want to live a virtually pain-free life or learn how to improve mobility, here's a step-by-step look at how radiofrequency ablation works:  

• Preparation: A pain management doctor will administer a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. 
• Imaging guidance: Using tools like fluoroscopic or ultrasound imaging, a specialized probe is carefully placed near the targeted nerves. 
• The ablation process: The probe emits radiofrequency energy to create a small, controlled lesion in the nerve. This lesion is what disrupts the pain signals. 
• Recovery: After the procedure, which usually takes less than an hour, patients can return home the same day. 

A radiofrequency ablation procedure doesn't require large incisions or long recovery periods. Some patients experience mild soreness at the injection site, but most report improved pain levels within weeks. 

What spinal conditions does radiofrequency ablation treat? 

Radiofrequency ablation is ideal for almost anyone experiencing spinal pain caused by arthritis, nerve damage, or degenerative disc disease. It is also effective for pain that comes from trauma to the spine, such as injuries sustained during a car accident, a fall, or another sports-related incident. 

If you've tried other treatments in the past, like medication or physical therapy, and they have not provided enough relief, you may benefit from radiofrequency ablation. A consultation at Aspire Spine & Headache Pain Center is an ideal way to determine if you could get this cutting-edge procedure in Raleigh, NC. 

Why choose radiofrequency ablation? 

Radiofrequency ablation can be a game-changer for people dealing with chronic back or neck pain. Here's why:  

• Long-lasting relief: Many patients feel relief for months, sometimes up to a year or longer. 
• Minimally invasive: It's minimally invasive, so no large incisions or general anesthesia are required. 
• Quick recovery: Most people return to their normal routines shortly after a radiofrequency ablation procedure. 
• Better mobility: Less pain means you can move more freely and get back to doing the things you enjoy. 
• Less reliance on pain medications: Many patients find they don't need opioids or other painkillers as often. 

Start your journey to virtually pain-free living 

When spinal conditions keep you from doing what you love, there is a solution available. If you want to know how to improve mobility with radiofrequency ablation or want to get started with our team, call Aspire Spine & Headache Pain Center in Raleigh, NC. A trusted pain management doctor will be happy to walk you through the process.