A solution to chronic pain? Let's learn about Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in a simple way!

Have you been suffering from pain in your back, neck, or knees for a long time? Despite taking medication and undergoing physiotherapy , you still feel no relief? Perhaps a doctor has even told you about major surgery. But before going for such a major procedure, there are other ways to control the pain. That's why we are talking about a non-surgical, but very effective treatment method today.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

The name may sound a bit complicated, but the concept is actually quite simple. Simply put, RFA uses radio waves to heat up a very small part of the nerve that is causing you pain, temporarily stopping its activity. In other words, it's like briefly disconnecting the "signal cable" that carries pain to the brain. When this stops the pain signals from going to your brain, the pain you feel disappears or is greatly reduced. This is also called Radiofrequency Neurotomy.

Why is this RFA treatment performed?

Doctors have several main reasons for recommending this treatment. Let's see what benefits a patient gets from it.

What conditions can be treated with RFA?

This treatment is mainly used for long-term (chronic) pain. For example:

• Spondylosis: Long-term back pain caused by wear and tear of the joints in the spine.
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain: Pain in the joint at the lowest part of the back, where it connects to the hip bone.
• Neck, back, and knee pain: Joint pain that has not responded to other treatments.
• Cancer pain: To control severe pain caused by some cancers.
• Facial pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia): Severe, electric-like pain in the face.
• Peripheral Nerve Pain: Pain caused by nerves in areas of the body such as the limbs.
• Heart rhythm problems: In addition to pain, this is also used to treat some of the cells that make up the heart's rhythm.
• Tumors: This technology is also used to destroy cells in some small tumors.

How does this treatment work?

Imagine that the cause of your back pain is a nerve connected to a small joint in your spine.

What the doctor does is, under the guidance of a special X-ray machine called fluoroscopy, he inserts a very fine needle right into the nerve that is causing the pain. When the needle is in the right place, he inserts a small electrode through it and emits a radio wave.

The heat from these radio waves causes a small part of the nerve to 'burn'. This is called creating a 'lesion'. But don't worry, this is done very carefully and very precisely. This stops the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain. The amazing thing is, it doesn't harm the healthy nerves around it.

Who is suitable for this treatment?

This treatment is not for everyone. Your doctor will look at several factors to determine if you are a good fit for this treatment.

You may be eligible if:

• If you have had a previous nerve block injection that reduced your pain: This is the most important thing. Before RFA, your doctor will inject a numbing medicine near the nerve that is causing you pain as a 'test'. This is called a diagnostic block . If your pain decreases for a few hours after that injection, it means that the doctor has 'targeted' the right nerve. For such people, the chance of success of RFA treatment is much higher.
• If other treatments (medication, physical therapy) do not help: If you have been taking pain medication and undergoing physiotherapy for a long time and have not had any results, RFA may be a good option.

You may not be eligible if:

• If you are pregnant .
• If you have an infection .
• If you have a blood clotting problem or a bleeding disorder.

What happens during treatment?

This procedure usually takes between 15 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the area being treated and the number of nerves involved.

1. First, you will lie on your stomach on a special X-ray bed. Monitors will be connected to monitor your condition throughout the treatment.

2. You are conscious, because the doctor is talking to you. If necessary, he can give you a little medicine to relax you.

3. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.

4. Then, under fluoroscopy X-ray guidance, the needle is carefully guided to the nerve causing the pain.

5. To make sure the needle is in the right place, the doctor will send a small electrical signal through it and ask you, "Do you feel anything, like a tingling or prickling sensation?" If you feel it, it means the needle is in the right place.

6. Then, another drug is injected to numb the nerve, and a radio wave current is sent to heat the relevant part of the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals.

7. If necessary, more than one nerve can be treated at the same time.

What should I do after treatment?

You can go home in a few hours after the treatment.

• You definitely need someone to accompany you. You definitely can't drive alone.
• Go home and rest well for about 24 hours. Don't do any heavy work.
• You can resume your normal activities in a day or two.
• There may be some slight pain and bruising at the injection site for a few days. The doctor advises placing an ice pack on it for about 20 minutes and removing it several times a day.

How effective is this treatment?

Many people experience significant pain relief after RFA treatment. Some people feel relief immediately after treatment. For others, the pain gradually decreases over 10 days or 3 weeks.

But remember, nerves in our body can regrow. If such nerves regrow, the pain may return. If that happens, this RFA treatment can be repeated.

When should I see a doctor?

If the following symptoms occur after treatment, call your doctor immediately:

• If you experience severe pain, redness, or swelling at the site where the needle was inserted.
• If weakness or numbness in an arm or leg increases .

Radiofrequency Ablation, RFA, Pain Management, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Knee Pain, Nerve Pain