In radiofrequency ablation, radio waves are used to generate a current that warms a tiny region of nerve tissue. This process is also known as radiofrequency neurotomy. By destroying that portion of the nerve, the heat prevents your body from receiving pain signals from that place. People who suffer from chronic pain, particularly in the neck, lower back, and arthritic joints, may find long-lasting relief with radiofrequency ablation.
During radiofrequency ablation in Sydney, radio waves are used to heat a portion of the nerve to treat pain by passing the waves through a perfectly positioned needle. By doing this, pain signals are not returned to the brain.
How Does a Radiofrequency Ablation Technique Work?
To begin, you will lie on a dedicated X-ray table on your stomach. Throughout the surgery, your healthcare expert will keep an eye on your condition using monitors. Throughout the procedure, you’ll be conscious and capable of responding to inquiries from your doctor. It is acceptable to offer medicine to help you relax through the treatment.
The region of your skin will be numbed by your doctor using a local anaesthetic. Then:
- A little needle is used to prick the sore location.
- A continuous real-time X-ray is used to guide needle insertion. This is called fluoroscopy.
- Your doctor will do a test to ensure the needle is in the correct location once it has arrived at the desired spot. A microelectrode is inserted via the hollow needle as part of the test. Your physician will inquire whether you experience tingling (or discomfort or a muscle twitch). This indicates that the ideal setting for therapy has been identified.
- A local anaesthetic is delivered through the injection to lessen the discomfort in the target location.
- A radiofrequency current is sent through the needle to heat the specific region of the nerve.
- By destroying that particular area of a nerve, the current prevents your body from receiving pain signals from that place.
- During the treatment, your doctor can address more than one nerve (if needed).
After having radiofrequency ablation:
- Shortly after your surgery, you’ll be sent home. You need a ride home from someone.
- When you get home, rest. Do not drive or engage in any intense activity for 24 hours following the operation. You can continue your normal activities.
- You may continue to experience discomfort, soreness, or muscle spasms at the treatment location for a few days following the procedure. Your physician could have advised using medicines to ease the discomfort and misery. Throughout the first day of your recovery at home, you can also apply an ice pack intermittently for 20 minutes at a time to the injection site.
Quick Facts of Radiofrequency Ablation
These facts are related to radiofrequency Ablation in Sydney:
- In a study conducted in 2019, NSW, of which Sydney is the capital, reported approximately 12,000 cases of people affected by HIV. In such cases, neuropathy is one of the major concerns that affect the lifetime of patients. Radiofrequency ablation can come to the rescue to relieve patients of chronic pain.
- According to the Remoteness Area Classification study, the number of major cities located in NSW, of which Sydney is the most-developed, showing varied symptoms of Lyme disease is over 500. This is a serious concern since the most advanced stages of Lyme disease report a higher degree and incidence of neuropathy.
Final Thoughts
Pain may be both localised and non-localised. Radiofrequency ablation is a risk-free, safe, and minimally invasive treatment. However, with any injectable treatment, there is always a chance of developing adverse effects or other problems.
No other injection treatment used in interventional pain management is more excruciating than this one. Although sedation is frequently administered to patients during surgery, it is not always necessary.