Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Chronic Pain Relief

If you’re struggling with persistent neck, upper back, or shoulder pain, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may offer the relief you need. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain specialists perform this minimally invasive procedure to help patients effectively manage chronic pain. By targeting the nerves responsible for pain, RFA provides long-lasting relief without the need for surgery.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment that uses heat from radiofrequency waves to disrupt pain signals sent by specific nerves. This procedure is an excellent option for patients who experience chronic pain, particularly in the spine, and are seeking alternatives to long-term medication use or surgery. Our pain doctors use this advanced technique to improve mobility and enhance quality of life.

Why is Radiofrequency Ablation Done?

At our pain clinic, we use RFA to:

• Reduce or eliminate chronic pain
• Improve mobility and overall function
• Decrease reliance on pain medications
• Help patients avoid or delay more invasive procedures

Our pain specialists carefully evaluate each patient to determine if RFA is the best course of treatment for their condition.

Conditions Treated by Radiofrequency Ablation

Pain doctors at The Pain Experts of Arizona use RFA to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis in the facet joints of the spine
• Degenerative disc disease
• Whiplash or spinal injuries
• Spondylosis (age-related wear and tear)
• Facet joint dysfunction
• Nerve-related pain caused by compression or inflammation

If you suffer from any of these conditions, our pain clinic may recommend RFA as a solution to improve your comfort and mobility.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

Patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa turn to our pain clinic for RFA due to its many benefits:

• Long-Lasting Pain Relief – Many patients experience relief lasting several months to years.
• Minimally Invasive Procedure – No surgery is required, leading to faster recovery.
• Reduced Dependence on Medications – By directly targeting pain at its source, RFA can decrease the need for pain medication.
• Improved Mobility – Pain relief often leads to enhanced movement and function, allowing for a more active lifestyle.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

Diagnostic Block

Before performing RFA, our pain doctors conduct a diagnostic nerve block to identify the source of your pain. If the temporary nerve block provides relief, this confirms that RFA may be an effective treatment for you.

The Procedure

• You will lie comfortably on your stomach as our pain specialist numbs the treatment area.
• Using X-ray guidance, the doctor carefully positions a specialized needle near the targeted nerve.
• A small electrode is inserted, and a mild radiofrequency current is applied, heating the nerve and stopping it from transmitting pain signals.
• The procedure typically takes 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the number of nerves treated.

What Happens After Radiofrequency Ablation?

Patients at our pain clinic can expect a relatively quick recovery:

• Rest for 24 hours – While most patients return to normal activities the next day, we recommend avoiding strenuous activity.
• Mild soreness or swelling – Some discomfort at the injection site is normal and should subside within a few days.
• Pain relief timeline – While some patients feel relief immediately, full effects typically develop within two to three weeks.
• Repeat treatments – Since nerves regenerate over time, additional treatments may be needed every 6 to 12 months for continued relief.

Risks and Side Effects

Radiofrequency ablation is a low-risk procedure, but potential side effects include:

• Mild soreness, swelling, or numbness at the injection site
• Temporary tingling sensations
• Short-term increase in pain before relief sets in
• Rare risks such as nerve irritation or infection

Our pain specialists take every precaution to ensure your safety and minimize any potential risks.

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Right for You?

If other treatments, such as physical therapy, pain medications, or injections, have not provided lasting relief, RFA may be an ideal option. Our pain doctors will assess your condition and determine whether this procedure is the right solution for you.

Radiofrequency Ablation in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain specialists provide expert care for patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa. Our advanced pain clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring the highest level of precision and effectiveness in every procedure.

Contact The Pain Experts of Arizona

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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