When and Why Should You Consider Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation
Dealing with pain can be frustrating and exhausting, and seeking treatment can just add to the burden. This article covers why you might consider Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation, what the treatment consists of, the process of recovery, and how The Pain Center San Diego can help you in your journey to a pain-free life.
Why to Consider Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation
While it is important to get a professional assessment before determining if this treatment is right for you, here are a few signs that you might need to consider Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation:
Symptoms Indicating Treatment with Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation
- Spinal joint pain
- Face pain
- Headaches
- Chronic neck pain
- Deterioration/ arthritis in the spine
- Disc Denervation
- Peripheral Neuropathies/Nerves
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
There are many other diagnoses that are successfully treated using Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation. Below are few things that patients have benefited from after the procedure:
What are the Benefits of Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation?
- Minimally invasive
- Highly effective (21% of patients experience complete pain relief, 65% of patients experience partial pain relief)
- Full recovery within 3 weeks
- Outpatient procedure
- General anesthesia not necessary
- Relief is long-lasting
- Low chance and very few risks/complications
What is Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation?
The Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation procedure is straightforward and simple. Here are the basic steps:
- The patient lies on their stomach during the procedure.
- Local anesthesia is applied to the neck.
- A cannula (small tube) is inserted near the medial branch nerves.
- An electrode is inserted through the cannula that sends a weak electric pulse to test the positioning.
- Once positioned properly, the electrode heats the nerve until it is unable to continue sending pain signals.
- Any other problematic nerves are treated the same way.
- Finally, the electrode and cannula are removed, and the wound in bandaged.
- The Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation procedure generally lasts between 30-90 minutes.
Recovery after Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation
While you may experience tenderness at the site of the procedure, recovery is fairly quick. The patient is able to return home the same day, and return to work as soon as 24 hours later, depending on the individual. Within three weeks, all symptoms from the procedure should be absent, and patients will begin to experience varying levels of pain relief during the next several months.
Find Relief from Chronic Pain at The Pain Center San Diego
Our professionals at The Pain Center San Diego understand that our patients need a personalized approach to their pain. Our doctors specialize in back and neck pain. We keep up with the latest research to provide you with the best care.
Our goal is to empower our patients and give them the information they need to make a decision they feel confident about. If you are wondering if Cervical Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation is right for you, talk to one of our experts by contacting our office for a consultation.