Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation offers extended relief from some of the most persistent pain disorders even when other treatments don't work. Wadid Zaky, MD, of Dr. Zaky Spine, Pain & Joint Center in Berlin, Maryland, has considerable experience in using radiofrequency ablation to treat conditions that cause chronic knee and spine pain. To benefit from Dr. Zaky's expertise, call Dr. Zaky Spine, Pain & Joint Center and schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a chronic pain treatment that uses radiowave energy. Heat from the radiofrequency device targets and disables specific nerves that are responsible for chronic pain.

Radiofrequency ablation can provide long-lasting relief for patients who are still battling pain after less invasive treatments fail. Patients who receive radiofrequency ablation therapy almost always achieve at least some degree of pain reduction after treatment.

What conditions can benefit from radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation could produce beneficial results for a variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Lumbar radiculopathy
• Facet joint syndrome
• Spondylosis
• Failed spine surgery
• Whiplash injuries
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

As well as treating painful back and neck problems, Dr. Zaky can use radiofrequency ablation to address chronic, treatment-resistant knee pain from conditions like arthritis. In the knee, radiofrequency ablation disables the large genicular nerve to relieve pain.

Radiofrequency ablation technology could be helpful for many other chronic pain conditions that fail to respond to other treatments.

What does the radiofrequency ablation process involve?

Before you undergo radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Zaky first performs a nerve block. This involves injecting the area with an anesthetic to numb your pain. Targeting specific nerves with the anesthetic makes it possible to isolate the ones generating troublesome pain signals.

Having isolated the correct nerves, Dr. Zaky can perform the radiofrequency ablation procedure. You have a sedative to ensure you feel relaxed and a local anesthetic injection at the treatment site so you won't feel any discomfort.

Dr. Zaky inserts a slender needle into the area using fluoroscopy (a special kind of moving X-ray) to guide him. When the needle is in the correct position, he inserts a microelectrode. He asks you if you can feel a tingling sensation, which helps him locate the ideal treatment point.

Next, Dr. Zaky sends currents of radiofrequency energy into the electrode to heat the selected nerves. The temperature used in radiofrequency ablation causes no damage to other tissues.

What happens after radiofrequency ablation?

The effects of radiofrequency ablation treatments typically last for around a year. Some patients find their symptoms return after six months or so, while others continue to benefit for 18 months or more. This largely depends on how long it takes for the treated nerves to regenerate.

If you have a chronic pain condition and current therapies aren't helping, radiofrequency ablation could offer a solution. To find out if it's right for you, call Dr. Zaky Spine, Pain & Joint Center today or book an appointment online.