Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation, or rhizotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys nerve fibers to stop the transmission of pain signals from the source of your pain to your brain. 

During radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Gheith inserts a thin, hollow needle into the area that’s causing your pain and uses real-time guided imagery to deliver radiofrequency energy through the needle to the nerve. 

The heat energy creates a small, precise burn or lesion in the nerve that disrupts the pain signal.

Am I a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation?

Dr. Gheith and the pain medicine experts at Interventional Pain Institute determine if you’re a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation after an in-depth clinical evaluation. 

The interventional pain clinic uses radiofrequency ablation to treat many chronic pain conditions, including arthritic conditions that affect the neck and back, such as spondylitis and sacroiliitis (sacroiliac joint pain). 

Dr. Gheith also uses radiofrequency ablation to treat chronic knee pain. However, this is a self-pay service. 

To determine if you’re a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Gheith first performs a diagnostic nerve block. If you experience pain relief following the nerve block, then he may proceed with radiofrequency ablation. 

What happens during radiofrequency ablation?

Dr. Gheith performs your radiofrequency ablation at the office. While you lie on an exam table, he administers a local anesthetic to numb the area to minimize discomfort during the procedure. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax, but you’re awake during the procedure.

Using guided imagery, he then inserts the hollow needle into the pain-producing area, administers a numbing agent, and then delivers the radiofrequency energy to burn the nerve. Dr. Gheith can treat multiple nerves during your radiofrequency ablation. 

What happens after radiofrequency ablation?

Dr. Gheith has you remain at the office for a short time after your radiofrequency ablation for monitoring before sending you home. 

Though you can walk after the procedure, you can’t drive for up to 24 hours. Dr. Gheith requests that you arrange to have someone drive you home.

You may have some post-procedure pain, but most patients resume their usual activities within 1-3 days. Some patients feel a reduction in their pain immediately after their radiofrequency ablation. However, in most cases, pain relief takes about 10 days. 

Though the amount of pain relief varies from patient to patient, radiofrequency ablation is a long-term solution for chronic neck and back pain from arthritis. The procedure may provide pain relief anywhere from six months to two years.

To learn more about radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain, call Interventional Pain Institute, or book an appointment online.