Ablation

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If you suffer from chronic neck pain, lower back pain, or pain from  arthritis, a treatment called radiofrequency ablation can provide  lasting relief. This is one of many therapies available through the  expert physiatrists of Spine & Sports Medical Group in Campbell,  California and San Jose, California. To learn more about ablation and  the role it can play in pain management, call or book an appointment  online today. 

An ablation is a  treatment option that can relieve pain for 6-12 months or more. It’s a  great treatment for men and women who don’t want to undergo surgery or  rely solely on pharmaceutical pain relief methods. 

The word  ablation means destruction, and in this application, it involves the  destruction of targeted nerve tissues. Nerves are responsible for  communicating messages between your body and your brain. Ablation  interrupts those transmissions, which in turn reduces pain. 

Ablation  works by using carefully controlled radiofrequency energy to heat a  portion of the targeted nerves. That heat creates damage and prevents  the treated nerves from communicating pain signals. 

Radiofrequency ablation can help reduce pain in your neck or back stemming from:

• Spinal joint degeneration
  
• Pain from previous spine surgery
  
• Arthritis
  
• Whiplash

On  the day of your procedure, you’ll receive local anesthesia to prevent  discomfort during treatment. Next, a small needle is guided using X-ray  imaging to the location of the targeted nerves. 

Once in position,  a microelectrode is guided through the needle. Radiofrequency energy is  directed through the electrode to heat a very small area of tissue.  You’ll communicate with your doctor to determine proper needle  placement, although you’ll only feel a slight tingling sensation. 

Ablation  is performed on an outpatient basis, so after you spend some time in a  recovery area and receive your discharge instructions, you can head  home. Be sure to line up a friend or loved one to drive you home after  your procedure. 

Recovering  from radiofrequency ablation is a simple and straightforward process.  You’ll need to wait 24 hours to drive or engage in strenuous  activities. 

Don’t swim or take a bath for a couple of days to  allow your skin to heal and reduce the risk of infection. You’ll need to  follow your doctor’s advice for changing the bandaging, but it only  takes a few days before there’s no need to cover the treated area. 

If  you experience significant leg weakness or pain, swelling, or red skin  near the injection site, call the office to determine your next steps.  You may need to come in for an evaluation for signs of infection.  

If  you’d like to learn more about radiofrequency ablation, schedule a  consultation using the easy online booking tool, or call the office  during business hours to check appointment availability.

We also  see patients in the following surrounding cities: Santa Clara, San Jose,  Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos,  Milpitas, Fremont, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy. Book your appointment today.