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Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation for Lumbar Pain

StimQ PNS

Overview

Dealing with lumbar or lower back chronic pain is usually frustrating for many patients. Chronic back pain has been associated with various physical conditions, eventually leading to productivity loss and high healthcare costs. Fortunately, pain management treatments like radiofrequency nerve ablation help treat lumbar pain. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about radiofrequency nerve ablation at The Pain Center in San Diego for lumbar pain.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a non-surgical treatment that focuses high levels of heat on afflicted tissues in the body to provide substantial relief. The procedure for lumbar pain typically damages pain signals transmitted through the spinal cord to the brain.

Ideal candidates for nerve ablation include patients with chronic lumbar pain who have not responded to other treatment methods, such as regenerative medicine or physical therapy, or are looking for a non-drug alternative. However, the treatment is not ideal for those patients who are pregnant, have bleeding problems, or with an infection.

Studies have shown that more than 70% of patients treated with radiofrequency nerve ablation experience relief. Besides helping relieve pain, radiofrequency nerve ablation improves function and minimizes the number of pain medications taken.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation for lumbar pain involves inserting a needle-like probe at the lower back or into the targeted nerve causing pain. An electrode is inserted, and waves are transmitted from the probe into the surrounding nerve tissues.

Through this, the nearby cells are damaged, preventing the pain signal from transmitting to the brain and causing relief. Using imaging techniques such as ultrasound enables a health provider to place the probe's tip at the desired location.

The procedure usually lasts 15 minutes to two hours, depending on the number of treatment sessions needed to provide results. The procedure is minimally invasive, and patients can resume their daily activities after a day or two of rest.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a highly effective pain management treatment that has provided patients with significant relief. However, the amount of nerve pain relief varies with the response to diagnostic facet or medial branch block injections. In some patients, the positive comfort felt from radiofrequency nerve ablation has been reported to last anywhere from 6-12 months, up to a few years.

CONTACT THE PAIN CENTER SAN DIEGO

Phone:

619-578-3740 (Service will terminate on 06/28/2024)

Fax:

208-342-4223

Email:

admin@thepaincentersandiego.com

Address:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Hours:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Forms:

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

NOTICE OF PERMANENT CLOSURE

Dear Valued Patients and Healthcare Professionals,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of The Pain Center – San Diego, effective March 21, 2024. We understand the importance of continuity of care and are committed to assisting you during this transition period.

For patients currently under our care for pain management, we urge you to contact your primary care physician promptly to request a referral to another pain management specialist. Your health and well-being remain our top priority, and we want to ensure you continue to receive the necessary care and support.

For medication management patients, please note that we have sent 60 days’ worth of medication to your designated pharmacy. It is imperative that you establish care with another healthcare provider before your medication runs out to avoid any interruptions in your treatment plan.

To obtain your medical records, please follow the instructions below:

Request a "Release of Information" Form: You can email us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com to request a "Release of Information" form or you can also find one on our website by following this link AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

Via Request of Another Medical Office: If you wish for your medical records to be transferred to another provider's office, you may sign a written authorization with their office requesting your records be sent to them.

Upon completion of the "Release of Information" form or receipt of written authorization from another medical office, we will send your medical records to the designated receiving party as specified. Please note the following:

  • Records directly to the patient will be provided within 15 days of receiving the request.
  • Other requests may take longer to process (such as to another medical office)
  • Please specify the transmission method for your records: USPS mail (default), email (preferred), or facsimile.
  • Ensure that the form is accurately completed and signed to prevent any delays in processing your request.

Additionally, please be aware of the following:

  • Records will not be compiled until we receive an accurate, completed, and signed written request.
  • Patients are entitled to one free copy of their medical records for personal use.
  • Additional copies will incur copying fees as per California Health & Safety Code Section 123110.
  • Medical records will be retained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this closure and extend our gratitude for your trust and loyalty over the years. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this transition period.

Warm regards,


Sandra Thompson, MD

The Pain Center – San Diego