Even the simplest things might be hard to do when you have chronic neck pain. It's tougher to turn your head when driving, sleep well, or concentrate on work. A lot of individuals stay with discomfort for months or even years, expecting it to go away on its own. But if the pain doesn't go away and normal therapies don't work anymore, it could be time to try something else. At this point, a Neck Pain Consultant could prescribe something more sophisticated, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

This article will describe what radiofrequency ablation is, when it is suggested, and what patients may expect from the procedure. This article might help you figure out if RFA could help if you or someone you know has chronic neck discomfort. 

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a method that doesn't require invasiveness. It employs radio waves to create heat that targets certain nerves that are hurting. The idea is to stop pain signals from getting to the brain.

RFA doesn't entail big incisions or extensive recovery times as surgery does. Using imaging equipment like fluoroscopy or ultrasound, a specific needle is directed to the nerve. A short burst of energy is sent to the nerve after it is in situ. This stops it from delivering pain signals.

People commonly utilize this method to treat long-term discomfort in their neck, lower back, and even their knees or hips. Even while it's not a permanent remedy, many people say their discomfort goes away for months or even longer.

Signs Your Consultant Might Suggest RFA

Most of the time, a Neck Pain Consultant will attempt alternative therapies before suggesting RFA. These frequently involve steroid injections, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. But if these methods don't help or the pain continues coming back, RFA may be an option.

There are certain evident signals that it could be time for RFA, such as:

• A neck ache that lasts for three months or more
• Temporary alleviation from nerve blocks (a hint that RFA could help)
• Not being able to move around much and having a poor quality of life
• Pain that never goes away makes it hard to sleep or concentrate.

Your consultant will carefully look at your symptoms, medical history, and how you responded to previous therapies before going on.

The Evaluation Before RFA

Before doing the actual ablation, most doctors will do a diagnostic nerve block. This includes giving a painkiller to the suspected nerve to check if the pain goes away. It means that the nerve is the problem and that RFA could work if it works.

This phase helps save patients from having to go through more operations and makes them feel more sure about the results. But if the block doesn't help, your consultant may look into alternative reasons for your neck pain.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The RFA process normally takes less than an hour and can be done at an outpatient clinic. You'll be awake, but you'll get drugs to help you relax. The doctor cleans and numbs the region before putting a tiny needle close to the nerve they want to target. Imaging tools assist to find the right spot.

When the needle is in the appropriate place, a little electric charge is sent through it to make sure the nerve is involved. Then, the radiofrequency radiation is used to heat the nerve for 60 to 90 seconds. After that, you'll have a little break and typically be able to go home the same day.

It's normal to feel pain for a few days following the treatment, but a lot of individuals start to feel better within one to two weeks.

Benefits and Limitations of RFA

Radiofrequency ablation doesn't cure anything, but it can help for months, perhaps up to a year. It lets patients walk around more easily, sleep better, and use less pain medicine every day.

Not everyone, though, reacts in the same manner. Some people feel a lot better, while others simply feel a little better. Nerves may grow back over time, which means the discomfort might come back. In some situations, the process might need to be done again.

Even with these problems, RFA is still a good option for many people suffering from chronic pain in the East and other places. It gives you a solution to deal with daily pain without having to have surgery when other methods don't work.

Where to Get Help

If you reside in or around East Stroudsburg, you should get professional help at the Pain Relief Center East Stroudsburg. Their specialists focus on customized care, and they frequently provide a range of alternatives from basic therapy to complex procedures like RFA.

A competent center will listen to your symptoms, look at your prior treatments, and design a plan that works for you and your lifestyle. It's not only about making the pain go away; it's also about helping you go back to your life.

Exploring Other Treatment Options

There are various tools available, and radiofrequency ablation is only one of them. Regenerative Treatments may help some people since they try to fix damaged tissue instead of merely masking pain. Some of them are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or stem cell therapy.

Regenerative treatments may perform effectively for some joint and soft tissue problems, but they aren't right for everyone. People typically think about them after or during operations like RFA. Based on your health, needs, and treatment objectives, your consultant will help you determine whether to look into them more.

Last Thoughts

Neck pain may steadily take over your life. Radiofrequency ablation may be a safe and beneficial choice when basic therapies stop working. A trustworthy Neck Pain Consultant will help you through the procedure and make sure it works for you.

If you're in pain after an injury or have been in pain for years, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor about newer treatments like RFA. If you take the appropriate steps, you might be able to get substantial relief without having to have major surgery or spend a lot of time recovering.

You should not deal with chronic pain East Stroudsburg alone. The way to a better life becomes apparent when you have the correct knowledge and help.

Patients at MVM Health get specialized care for their neck discomfort with effective, non-surgical therapies. Their experts will help you locate solutions that are right for your situation and make you feel comfortable. Want to get rid of neck pain? Go to MVM Health to find out more or schedule a meeting with a trustworthy specialist.