What is Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a medical procedure used to relieve chronic waist, neck and back pain? How is it applied? What are the treatment effects?
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a trained medical professional. Using the heat produced by radiofrequency energy, it targets and disrupts the nerves that transmit pain signals from the waist area to the brain. It is a method that can be used for pain that does not go away with methods such as medication and physical therapy.
Radio frequency energy is applied
During the procedure, a special needle is inserted into the affected area under imaging (x-ray) guidance. Once the needle is positioned correctly, radiofrequency energy is applied to the nerve tissue to create a thermal lesion. This condition impairs the nerves’ ability to send pain signals to the brain.
May provide relief in the medium and long term
The method can provide relief in the medium and long term. RFA is an outpatient procedure where the patient can go home the same day. The benefits of Lumbar RFA include reduced pain, increased mobility, and reduced need for pain medications. It may also increase the patient’s ability to participate in physical therapy and other rehabilitation programs.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called radiofrequency neurotomy, uses radio waves to create a current that heats a small area of nerve tissue. The heat destroys that area of the nerve, preventing it from sending pain signals to your brain. RFA can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck and arthritic joints.[1]
Why is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) done?
The purposes of radiofrequency ablation are:
- It stops or reduces pain.
- It improves function.
- It reduces the number of painkillers taken.
- To avoid or delay surgery.[2]
- What conditions can be treated with radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat:
Chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis of the spine (spondylosis) and sacroiliac (SI) joint pain.
- Waist, neck, back and knee pain
- Cancer pain
- Facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Heart rhythm problems
- Tumors (to kill cells)
How does radiofrequency ablation work?
Radiofrequency ablation targets diseased tissue using heat generated from radio waves. When radiofrequency is applied to nerve tissue, it damages the nerves, which prevents or stops the pain signal from reaching the brain and causes pain to decrease.[3]
During the radiofrequency ablation procedure, a small hollow needle is inserted into the targeted nerve causing the pain.[4] An electrode is placed at the top of the needle, which sends radio waves through the needle to the targeted nerve. The heat causes a lesion that prevents the nerve from sending pain signals to your brain. Nearby healthy nerves are not damaged during the procedure.
It is important to consult a specialist physician
Although generally considered safe, RFA, like any medical procedure, can have potential risks and complications. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or temporary worsening of pain. It is important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider. After the procedure, patients often undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation to maximize recovery and maintain pain relief. Let’s not forget that the suitability of RFA as a treatment option depends on the degree of an individual’s discomfort. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the patient to consult his physician and undergo a detailed examination.
References:
- Wray JK, Dixon B, Przkora R. Radiofrequency Ablation. [Updated 2023 Jun 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan.
- UCSF Medical Center, University of California San Francisco. The Regents of The University of California. Radiofrequency Ablation. Retrieved on Jan 19, 2024.
- Leggett LE, Soril LJ, Lorenzetti DL, Noseworthy T, Steadman R, Tiwana S, Clement F. Radiofrequency ablation for chronic low back pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Pain Res Manag. 2014 Sep-Oct;19(5):e146-53. doi: 10.1155/2014/834369. Epub 2014 Jul 28. PMID: 25068973; PMCID: PMC4197759.
- Cleveland Clinic, Radiofrequency Ablation for Pain Management, Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/14/2022.