Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks pain signals from irritated spinal or joint nerves. At Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants in Katy, Texas, Jaime Robledo, MD, and his team perform this procedure to relieve chronic back, neck, or joint pain when other treatments haven’t worked. With advanced technology and expert techniques, you can experience lasting pain relief without surgery. Book your appointment by calling Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants or request an appointment online today.

What is radiofrequency nerve ablation?

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces chronic pain, especially in your neck, back, and joints.

It uses heat generated by radio waves to target and deactivate specific nerves that send pain signals to your brain. By disrupting these signals, radiofrequency nerve ablation can provide long-lasting relief without needing surgery.

How does radiofrequency nerve ablation work?

The radiofrequency nerve ablation procedure involves guiding a thin needle to the area of pain using X-ray imaging. Once the needle is in place, your Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants practitioner delivers a small amount of radiofrequency energy to heat the nerve tissue.

This heat disables your nerve’s ability to send pain signals. You undergo the entire process under local anesthesia and light sedation and typically go home the same day.

What conditions can radiofrequency nerve ablation treat?

Radiofrequency nerve ablation can treat the following:

• Pain from arthritis in the spine (facet joint pain)
• Sacroiliac joint pain
• Knee or hip pain after joint surgery
• Chronic neck or lower back pain

The Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants team typically offers radiofrequency ablation to patients who haven’t improved with frontline pain treatments like physical therapy, trigger point injections, or medications.

Your provider evaluates your symptoms and medical history to determine if radiofrequency nerve ablation is a good fit for you.

How long does radiofrequency nerve ablation pain relief last?

Many patients experience significant pain relief after radiofrequency nerve ablation that can last six months to over a year.

If your nerve grows back and pain returns, the Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants team can usually repeat the procedure. Some individuals may require additional supportive treatments like physical therapy to achieve and maintain long-term results.

What should I expect during recovery from radiofrequency nerve ablation?

After the procedure, it’s normal to feel some soreness or mild swelling at the treatment site. Most people can return to light activities within a day or two, and full recovery typically takes about a week. Your provider may suggest avoiding strenuous activity for a short time while you heal.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation provides a nonsurgical option for long-term pain relief, allowing you to return to the activities you enjoy. Call Advanced Interventional Pain Consultants to learn more, or schedule a consultation online today.