Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation in Plano, TX
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Cervical Ablation Procedure in Plano
If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, exploring a cervical radiofrequency ablation procedure could offer new hope for relief. This minimally invasive procedure targets the nerves that transmit pain signals from the cervical spine, providing a potentially long-lasting solution with minimal downtime.
At the Advanced Spine Center, we’ll guide you through what cervical RFA entails, its potential benefits, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your pain management journey. To schedule an appointment with us, please call our office at 972-499-5457 today.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat certain conditions like chronic pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and certain types of tumors. It involves using radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy abnormal tissue.
During the procedure, a thin needle electrode is inserted into the target area under imaging guidance. Once positioned correctly, radiofrequency energy is then delivered through the electrode, generating heat that destroys the targeted tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
RFA is often preferred for its effectiveness, low risk, and relatively quick recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods.
What Is Cervical Ablation?
Cervical ablation involves the use of radiofrequency energy to target and alleviate chronic neck pain. It disrupts nerve function that sends pain signals to the brain. The healthcare provider administering the treatment inserts a thin needle into the neck. The affected nerves are heated and coagulate, reducing or blocking the transmission of the pain signal.
How Does Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
Cervical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) precisely targets nerves transmitting pain signals from the cervical spine to the brain. The procedure disrupts these pain pathways, providing relief from chronic neck pain and certain types of headaches. The effectiveness of RFA lies in its ability to selectively lesion the nerve tissue for transmitting pain, without causing significant damage to the surrounding tissues.
What Is Cervical Nerve Ablation Used to Treat?
Cervical nerve ablation is utilized to manage various conditions causing chronic pain in the neck and upper extremities. This technique offers an effective treatment option for patients who have not found relief for cervical facet pain through conservative methods such as medication, physical therapy, or injections. Below are some of the conditions cervical nerve ablation is used to treat.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is essentially spinal arthritis in the neck. It results from the degeneration of the discs and joints between the vertebrae of the cervical spine. It can lead to the development of bone spurs and the compression of nerve roots or the spinal cord, causing pain and stiffness in the neck, as well as numbness or weakness in the arms or hands.
Cervical RFA can target the nerves transmitting pain from the affected cervical facet joints, providing significant relief from symptoms.
Cervical Spine Injuries
Injuries to the cervical spine, such as whiplash or other trauma, can result in chronic neck pain due to damage to the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments. This pain often persists even after the initial injury has healed.
Cervical nerve ablation can be effective in these cases by disrupting the pain signals from the injured area, allowing patients to engage in physical therapy and other rehabilitative treatments more comfortably.
Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Syndrome
This syndrome occurs when nerves are compressed or trapped as they pass through narrow spaces in the body, with common sites including the neck and shoulder regions. The compression can lead to pain, tingling, or weakness in the affected areas.
While RFA is more commonly associated with treating spinal pain and nerve irritation, it can sometimes be adapted to target certain peripheral nerve conditions, providing relief by reducing the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Although CRPS more commonly affects the limbs, when it involves the upper arm and shoulder, it can be associated with nerve roots in the cervical spine. CRPS is characterized by severe, chronic pain that is often out of proportion to the original injury. It may also include changes in skin color, temperature, and swelling in the affected area.
Cervical RFA can be part of a comprehensive pain management plan for CRPS, targeting the sympathetic nerves involved in pain transmission and modulation to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with this condition.
What Is the Cervical Nerve Ablation Procedure?
During this minimally invasive procedure, the physician uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your neck. This procedure is also called radiofrequency rhizotomy. It can treat pain that doesn’t respond to medications or to physical therapy.
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, you lie on your stomach. You are given medicine to make you feel relaxed. The skin and tissue of your neck is numbed.
Inserting the Cannula
The physician inserts a tube called a “cannula.” A video x-ray device called a “fluoroscope” helps guide the cannula to the medial branch nerves in your spine. These tiny nerves carry pain signals from your facet joints to your brain.
Treating the Nerves and Disrupting Pain Signals
The physician inserts an electrode through the cannula. A weak electric jolt is used to test its position. If the jolt recreates the pain but does not cause any other muscular effects, it is positioned correctly. Then the physician uses the electrode to heat the nerve. This disrupts its ability to transmit pain signals. Several nerves may be treated if necessary.
End of Procedure
When the procedure is complete, the electrode and cannula are removed. A small bandage is placed on your skin. You will be monitored for a brief time before you are allowed to go home. Your injection site may feel sore after the procedure, and you may still have neck pain.
If the correct nerves were treated, you will gradually experience pain relief as you heal. This may take several weeks. Your relief may last for several months.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Nerve Burning?
The pros of nerve burning, also called RFA, include its minimally invasive nature and the significant pain relief that it offers. It is a longer-lasting solution compared to other pain management techniques. Other benefits include quick returns to daily activities, versatility, and a reduction of reliance on pain medications.
While the pros of cervical radiofrequency ablation outweigh the cons, it’s important for patients to understand potential downsides. The cons of nerve burning include temporary side effects, the risk of nerve damage, and variations in effectiveness between patients.
What If I Have Worse Pain After Radiofrequency Ablation?
It is common for patients to experience mild discomfort after radiofrequency ablation. Once the local anesthetic wears off, the pain may return for a time.
If your pain persists or worsens significantly, contact your doctor immediately. Unusually severe pain could indicate an infection or another complication.
How Long Does It Take for Nerves to Die After Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation?
Typically, the time it takes for nerves to “die” or become nonfunctional ranges from a few days to a few weeks after cervical RFA. This time frame varies from patient to patient. Immediately after the procedure, the affected nerves start losing their function. Patients may experience a variable period of increased sensitivity or discomfort. This is due to the local inflammatory response.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Radiofrequency Ablation?
Cervical radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure. This means that patients are able to go home the same day of the procedure. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. Many patients experience some soreness at the ablation site for a few days up to a week. This discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Cervical Neck Ablation Side Effects
Cervical neck ablation is generally safe with minimal side effects. However, every medical procedure has certain risks. The possible side effects of cervical ablation may include the following.
- Temporary discomfort
- Swelling or bruising
- Numbness or tingling
- Skin irritation
- Infection
- Nerve damage
Is Cervical Ablation Painful?
Generally, patients only experience minor discomfort or pressure during the procedure. Before the procedure begins, the doctor administers a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. This helps minimize any pain or discomfort.
While some patients may report feeling a sensation of warmth or pressure during the procedure, it’s uncommon to experience severe pain. Any discomfort experienced during the procedure is usually temporary and resolves quickly after the treatment is completed. Patients can manage any post-procedure pain with pain medicine.
How Long Does Ablation Pain Relief Last?
Many patients experience significant and long-lasting pain relief from cervical radiofrequency ablation, often as long as several months to a few years. However, the effects of ablation are not always permanent. Nerves can potentially regenerate, leading to the return of pain symptoms.
The duration of pain relief can also vary based on the severity of the condition, the accuracy of the ablation procedure, and the patient’s overall health. Patients may require repeated ablation procedures to maintain or prolong the initial pain relief.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation?
Cervical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is typically recommended for individuals suffering from chronic neck pain that hasn’t responded to other conservative treatments, such as a cervical medial branch block. Good candidates for cervical RFA often have conditions like cervical spondylosis or facet joint pain.
If patients experience any of the following, they may be good candidates for cervical radiofrequency ablation.
- Chronic neck pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments
- Diagnosed with cervical spondylosis or facet joint pain
- Generally good health without contraindications
- Realistic expectations about the procedure
- Thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, including imaging studies
Cervical Nerve Ablation Recovery Time
The recovery time after cervical nerve ablation, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is relatively short compared to more invasive surgical procedures. Most patients can expect to resume their normal activities within a few days following the procedure.
However, some individuals may experience mild soreness or discomfort at the treatment site for a short period, typically lasting from a few days up to a week. This discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or ice packs.
It’s essential to follow any specific post-procedure instructions provided by your healthcare provider and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress and ensure optimal outcomes.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation in Plano, TX
As you consider your options for managing chronic neck pain, the team at Advanced Spine Center in Plano is here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced orthopedic spine surgeons specialize in cervical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards finding relief and reclaiming your quality of life, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experts. Together, we can explore whether cervical RFA is the right solution for you and create a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve lasting pain relief. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to better spine health.
