Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation

What is Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Peripheral nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that pain doctors use to treat chronic pain. The technique applies heat to disrupt the nerve tissue responsible for pain. RFA targets the peripheral nervous system, which transmits pain signals to the brain, offering long-lasting relief from conditions such as neck, back, knee, or chest wall pain.

Doctors typically recommend this treatment when other options like nerve blocks or steroid injections have not been effective. Pain specialists in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa, AZ, often use RFA to help patients find lasting relief.

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Why is Peripheral Nerve RFA Performed?

Pain doctors in Gilbert and Mesa recommend peripheral nerve RFA to help patients manage chronic pain. The treatment can:

• Reduce or stop pain from chronic conditions

• Improve mobility and functionality

• Decrease reliance on pain medications

• Avoid or delay more invasive procedures like surgery

If you have chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, consider consulting with a pain specialist at a pain clinic in Phoenix or Scottsdale to explore RFA as a solution.

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What Conditions Can Be Treated with Peripheral Nerve RFA?

Pain doctors commonly use peripheral nerve RFA to treat conditions such as:

• Chronic neck, back, or knee pain

• Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)

• Sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint)

• Pelvic pain

• Intercostal neuralgia (chronic chest wall or rib pain)

About Intercostal Nerve RFA

Intercostal nerve RFA specifically targets nerves running along the ribs that may become irritated or damaged from surgery, trauma, or chronic inflammation. This procedure is especially helpful for patients suffering from persistent pain following procedures like thoracotomy or rib fractures. By applying radiofrequency energy to the intercostal nerves, the pain signals are interrupted, offering substantial relief for patients with ongoing chest or flank pain.

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How Does Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

During the RFA procedure, your pain doctor targets the nerve responsible for your chronic pain. Here’s how the treatment works:

Preparation: Your doctor will advise on any medications to stop (like blood thinners) before the procedure.
Procedure: While lying on an X-ray table, the injection site is cleaned and numbed. The doctor inserts a small needle near the nerve, guided by real-time imaging (fluoroscopy). Heat is applied through a specialized electrode to create a lesion that blocks pain signals.
Duration: The treatment typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the number and location of nerves involved.

Intercostal RFA may involve targeting multiple rib levels to ensure comprehensive pain coverage along the chest wall or abdomen.

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What to Expect During the Procedure

Your pain specialist will keep you comfortable using local anesthetic and sedation if needed. The procedure is outpatient, meaning you return home the same day. Mild discomfort or pressure is normal when heat is applied to the nerve.

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Recovery After Peripheral Nerve RFA

Recovery is typically fast and well-tolerated. Here’s what you can expect:

• Immediate effects: You may feel soreness or a burning sensation in the area for a few days.

• At-home care: Use ice packs to manage post-procedure discomfort.

• Rest: Limit physical activity for 24 hours.

• Pain relief timeline: Many patients begin to feel relief within 1–3 weeks, with improvements continuing over time.

Follow-up visits with your pain doctor in Mesa or Scottsdale will help monitor progress and long-term outcomes.

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Risks and Side Effects of Peripheral Nerve RFA

Peripheral nerve RFA is generally safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are risks:

• Mild pain or bruising at the injection site

• Temporary numbness or sensitivity

• Infection (rare)

• Nerve damage or heat injury to surrounding structures (very rare)

Intercostal RFA carries additional caution near the lungs or pleura, but experienced specialists take steps to minimize these risks.

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Benefits of Peripheral Nerve RFA

This procedure offers several key advantages:

• Long-term pain relief without frequent medication

• Minimally invasive, avoiding the need for surgery

• Quick recovery with minimal downtime

• Targeted treatment for specific pain-causing nerves, including intercostal nerves

Pain doctors in Gilbert and Phoenix may recommend RFA for patients who haven’t responded to more conservative treatments.

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How Long Does Pain Relief Last?

Relief can last from several months to over a year, depending on the individual and the nerve treated. Some nerves may regenerate over time, which could require follow-up procedures. For intercostal nerve RFA, many patients experience months of chest wall pain relief that significantly improves breathing, mobility, and quality of life.

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Is Peripheral Nerve RFA Right for You?

RFA may be a good fit if:

• You suffer from chronic pain in areas such as the back, knees, pelvis, or ribs

• You’ve had a successful diagnostic nerve block

• You’re looking for non-surgical, long-lasting pain relief

Pain specialists at The Pain Experts of Arizona in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa can evaluate your case and determine whether RFA—including intercostal RFA—is right for you.

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Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If chronic pain is affecting your daily life, our team at The Pain Experts of Arizona is here to help. From back and joint pain to chest wall and rib discomfort, our experienced physicians offer advanced procedures like peripheral and intercostal nerve RFA to restore your comfort and function.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If you’re having pain-related difficulty, The Pain Experts of Arizona can help. Our award-winning pain doctors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa specialize in vertebral augmentation and other advanced pain management treatments to restore function and improve your quality of life.

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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