Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treatment in Gilbert and Mesa, AZ

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 causing pain. RFA targets the peripheral nervous system, which sends pain signals to the brain, offering long-lasting relief from conditions such as neck, back, and knee 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 their patients find lasting relief.

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.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Peripheral Nerve RFA?

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

• Chronic pain in the neck, back, or knees

• Pain caused by spondylosis (spinal arthritis) or sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint)

• Pelvic pain or other pain related to peripheral nerves

Pain specialists often recommend RFA when other therapies haven’t helped. If you live in Mesa or Gilbert and struggle with chronic pain, RFA could offer the relief you need to improve your quality of life.

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: Before the procedure, your doctor will advise you on any medications you should stop, such as blood thinners, to minimize risks.

• Procedure: You will lie on an X-ray table while the doctor disinfects the injection site. The pain doctor will then insert a needle near the nerve, guided by real-time X-ray technology (fluoroscopy). The procedure applies heat through a small electrode to the nerve, creating a heat lesion that disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.

• Duration: The procedure usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on how many nerves need treatment.

Pain specialists in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Gilbert recommend RFA as a safe and effective way to address chronic pain without the need for surgery.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

During the procedure, your pain doctor will make sure you feel comfortable by using local anesthesia to numb the area, and sedation if necessary. RFA is minimally invasive and typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day. Expect the procedure to take between 30 and 90 minutes. You may feel mild discomfort as the doctor applies heat to the nerve.

Recovery After Peripheral Nerve RFA

Recovery after peripheral nerve RFA is usually quick. Here’s what you can expect:

• Immediate aftercare: You may feel numbness or a burning sensation in the treated area, which typically subsides within a few days.

• Home care: Applying ice packs to the treated area can help ease discomfort.

• Rest: You should rest for 24 hours post-procedure and avoid strenuous activities.

• Pain relief timeline: Most patients notice a reduction in pain within 1 to 3 weeks, although individual results may vary.

Pain doctors in Gilbert and Mesa suggest follow-up visits to ensure the procedure was successful and that you’re healing as expected.

Risks and Side Effects of Peripheral Nerve RFA

Though peripheral nerve RFA is generally safe, it does carry some risks, including:

• Pain, bruising, or swelling at the injection site

• Infection (rare)

• Nerve damage or injury to surrounding tissues (extremely rare)

• Temporary abnormal skin sensitivity or burning sensations

• Heat damage to nearby structures

Pain specialists carefully evaluate the benefits and risks of RFA during consultations. In Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa, The Pain Experts of Arizona take great care to minimize risks during the procedure.

What Are the Benefits of Peripheral Nerve RFA?

Peripheral nerve RFA offers many potential benefits, including:

• Long-term pain relief: RFA can provide longer-lasting relief compared to other pain management techniques, such as nerve blocks or steroid injections.

• Reduced need for pain medications: By targeting pain at its source, RFA helps reduce the reliance on oral medications.

• Minimally invasive: RFA is non-surgical and requires little recovery time, making it a convenient option for many patients.

Pain clinics in Gilbert and Mesa often recommend RFA as a solution for those who wish to avoid surgery.

How Long Will the Pain Relief Last?

The length of pain relief after RFA varies by patient. Some experience relief for several months, while others may enjoy pain-free periods that last a year or more. In some cases, the treated nerve regenerates, and patients may need another procedure. If you’re considering RFA for your chronic pain, consult a pain doctor in Scottsdale, Phoenix, or Mesa to discuss how long the relief might last for your specific condition.

Is Peripheral Nerve RFA Right for You?

Peripheral nerve RFA may be the right treatment for you if:

• You have chronic pain in areas like your neck, back, or knees that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

• You’ve had a positive response to a nerve block injection, confirming the targeted nerve is the source of your pain.

• You’re seeking a non-surgical option with minimal recovery time.

Your pain specialist in Gilbert or Mesa will help determine if RFA is suitable for you, based on your medical history and pain symptoms.

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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