Treatments

Radio Frequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radio frequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment performed after two medial branch blocks. This procedure uses a heat lesion to destroy and reduce the targeted nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain.  It is commonly used to treat chronic pain and conditions such as arthritis of the spine known as spondylosis, sacroiliitis, and nerve pain. This procedure provides a longer lasting relief for at least six to twelve months after a complete treatment series.  Benefits from a radiofrequency ablation may be: avoiding surgery, immediate pain relief, little to no recovery time, improved function and other daily activities of living, and decrease in pain medication. During the procedure, a live x-ray called fluoroscopy is used to guide the needle to the correct area.