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If chronic neck or back pain reduces your quality of life, see the experts at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin in Appleton, Oshkosh, North Fond du Lac, and Bellevue, Wisconsin. The skilled spine surgery team offers cutting-edge radiofrequency ablation to ease pain and treat numerous medical conditions. Schedule an evaluation by phone to get more information on how we can help you.
Radiofrequency Ablation Q &A
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is an advanced surgical technique that uses a needle and radiofrequency energy to reduce pain signals to your brain or treat common medical concerns to prevent complications. The experts at the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin are highly skilled in using this technique to restore your health and quality of life.
Which conditions can radiofrequency ablation treat?
The NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin can use radiofrequency ablation to treat the following:
- Chronic venous insufficiency in the legs
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee discomfort
- Arthritis discomfort
- Spondylosis (arthritis of the spine)
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Sciatica
- Facial pain
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Tumors
- Nodules
- Other growths
To determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure, the experts discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, medications, treatment preferences, and goals. They complete a physical exam, check your vital signs, and may suggest blood testing or imaging procedures before tailoring your treatment plan.
What should I expect during radiofrequency ablation?
Before treatment, it's vital to follow all instructions. You first receive a diagnostic block to confirm the source of your pain and determine if radiofrequency ablation is likely an effective treatment.
During ablation, you lie on your stomach on an X-ray table. Your spine specialist numbs the treatment area and uses ultrasound, X-ray guidance, or other imaging techniques to insert a needle-like probe near painful nerves. A needle sends out radiofrequency waves into surrounding tissues, causing damage to targeted nerve cells.
While you may receive a sedative to ease anxiety, radiofrequency ablation doesn’t require general anesthesia and takes place in an outpatient setting. The length of time your treatment lasts depends on the number of nerves treated. It might last 15-60 minutes, sometimes longer.
What happens after radiofrequency ablation?
After the procedure, you can go home but have a friend or family member drive you. Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities, driving, showering, and bathing for 24 hours. Common (temporary) side effects include soreness, muscle spasms, or tenderness at the treatment site. Ice the area and take any medications as directed. You might also undergo physical therapy.
Pain relief after radiofrequency ablation often lasts for 6-12 months or several years, as the results vary from person to person. Repeat treatments offer long-lasting relief.
Schedule a radiofrequency ablation consultation at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin by calling the nearest office today.