We often have a lot of questions about radiofrequency procedures at our Panama City, FL office, so I’ve written this brief synopsis of the procedure and some things to expect. I have tried to make the information useful to all of you reading this whether you are here in Panama City or anywhere else and whether or not you combine Chiropractic care with Radiofrequency.
Radiofrequency ablation (also known as medial branch rhizotomy) is a procedure used to reduce severe or chronic pain. The procedure is done by placing an electrical current produced by radio waves next to a nerve that carries pain signals from the joint to the spinal nerve. The radio waves heat a small area of nerve tissue, which decreases pain signals from the target area.
RFA is commonly used to relieve patients with prolonged lower back/leg and neck/arm pain and pain related to spinal joint degeneration due to arthritis. These conditions must show positive responses to previously performed test blocks to determine if the treated tissue is indeed the areas causing the pain before RFA can be used. The degree of pain relief can vary depending on the root cause and the location of the pain source. Relief can last six to 12 months, and in some cases, it can last for years. According to some studies, more than 70% of patients treated with RFA experience pain relief.
To prepare for your treatment, you must ensure that you do not eat within six hours of your appointment, except clear liquids, until two hours before your procedure. If you have diabetes and use insulin, your insulin dose should be adjusted on the day of the procedure where your primary care physician can assist you. Bring your diabetes medication so you can take it after the procedure, as well as any other medication you may need. Continue taking all other medications with water. Do not stop any medication (especially insulin) without first checking with your primary care physician or referring physician. You will need to have someone with you to drive you home after the procedure and you must not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, a doctor will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have, including possible complications and side effects. During the procedure, the doctor will use a specialized X-ray device called a C-Arm, which will help the doctor guide a needle to the exact target area. Once the location is established, a microelectrode is inserted through the needle to begin the stimulation process. During this process, the doctor will ask you at various times if you are able to feel certain sensations. The purpose of this is to help your doctor determine if the electrode is in the best place for treatment. After obtaining needle and electrode placement, a small radiofrequency current is sent through the electrode into the surrounding tissue, causing the tissue to heat up. Patients should not feel any discomfort during the heating portion of the procedure as we do not have heat sensors in this tissue.
After the procedure, you will stay in the office or surgery center for observation, where a nurse will monitor your blood pressure and pulse. A bandage will be placed over the procedure site, and you should make sure you have someone to drive you home.
RFA has been clinically shown to be a safe and effective way to treat some forms of pain. It is also generally well tolerated, with very few associated complications. There is a slight risk of infection and bleeding at the insertion site. Your doctor can advise you about your particular risk.
The main side effect of RFA is some discomfort with swelling and/or bruising at the treatment site, but this usually subsides after a few days, and of course, as with any medical procedure, RFA is not appropriate for everyone. Your doctor can tell you if you should not have RFA.
After RFA treatment, you will follow up with your doctor to monitor your progress and, where chiropractic care and physical therapy are available, begin the rehabilitation process. This phase of your care is very important, even if the pain has been eliminated, because the joint is not repaired at this point, only the pain is blocked, and if the joint problem is not addressed, the likelihood of pain and additional joint damage. Chiropractic care is designed to improve overall joint function and in rehab you will learn exercises and stretches to improve muscle function and strength around those joints, which will help stabilize the affected areas for the future.
