Radiofrequency Ablation in Florida

If you suffer from chronic joint and spine pain, you are likely already aware of how your vertebrae and facet joints are supposed to work, as well as how they can start to cause problems. Simply put, the facet joints allow the spine to bend and twist while keeping the vertebrae connected and cushioned, but when injuries affect these joints, the pain can be excruciating. 

For many years, invasive surgery was the only option for seeking meaningful and lasting relief from back pain, but as technology advances, so do the options available for non-invasive solutions that go beyond medication and physical therapy. One such treatment is known as radiofrequency ablation, which can provide pain relief without the need for painkillers or surgery. If you need to find a specialist who can perform this technique, call 1-800-injured. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with an experienced and certified professional in your area. 

Understanding Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation targets the medial branch nerves that connect the facet joints to the rest of the nervous system. When the facet joint is damaged or injured due to an accident or condition, it may put pressure on the nerves, which will then send constant pain signals to the brain. Pressure on these nerves can be debilitating because of the pain they cause. 

Radiofrequency ablation treats this pain by burning a portion of the nerves with radio frequencies. Once burned, the pain signals are disrupted between the nerves and the brain so the patient can continue with their life without having to suffer through ongoing discomfort.

Radiofrequency ablation is a quick treatment that generally lasts only an hour or two, and most patients are able to go home on the same day. There are, of course, certain situations that may require observation for a day or two, but these are exceptions that focus on maximizing the healing process and providing lasting relief. This type of treatment can reduce pain from the facet joints for months at a time, although your unique situation will dictate how long this treatment is effective. 

Since the procedure is done using radio frequencies, there are no incisions or other invasive techniques that can lead to scar tissue, infection, blood loss, or other harmful conditions. Patients are able to avoid sedation when opting for this treatment, which avoids a whole other host of risks that many are wary of. 

If you rely on pain medication to alleviate your chronic symptoms, radiofrequency ablation may offer an alternative solution to either reduce or eliminate this need entirely. Pain medications have a number of complex or undesirable side effects, so a lasting treatment can be a welcome option to many.