Procedure - Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation involves placing probes beneath the skin that apply heat to nerves. The heat destroys the nerves, making them no longer able to transmit pain signals to your brain. Specialists at Utah Spine Care | Ogden Clinic may use radiofrequency ablation when injections or nerve blocks do not offer sufficient pain relief.
Because we offer a full array of pain management services, radiofrequency ablation may be just one part of your overall treatment plan. Other approaches such as physical therapy, counseling, acupuncture, and massage therapy may also help improve your symptoms.
Utah Spine Care | Ogden Clinic’s Approach to Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation can provide longer-lasting relief than injections or nerve blocks. When nerve blocking injections do not provide relief, our northern Utah spine specialists will consider this procedure. After a thorough evaluation, our pain management specialists can determine whether radiofrequency ablation in Utah is an option for you.
Symptoms That Can Be Relieved with Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation at Ogden Clinic is considered when injection therapy, physical therapy, and other means do not provide sufficient relief. The following symptoms can be improved with radiofrequency ablation:
- Neck pain, mid-back pain, and lower-back pain
- Knee pain from arthritis or knee replacement
- Headaches
- Chest wall or rib cage pain
Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure that usually takes about an hour. Our Utah spine specialists perform radiofrequency ablation while you are lying or sitting comfortably. First, they will clean the skin and apply local anesthetic. You’ll have the option to receive moderate IV sedation. The ablation is guided using x-ray fluoroscopy, and then heat is applied through probes to destroy the targeted nerves.
The risks of radiofrequency ablation are small but include infection, bleeding, worsening of pain, and nerve damage. Our specialists minimize these risks by performing a comprehensive medical evaluation prior to the procedure and following up with your progress to prevent complications.
