Living with chronic pain can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. When medications and conservative treatments are not enough, advanced options like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) may provide lasting relief.
At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, patients are cared for by experienced physicians, including Rajesh K. Sharma, MD, Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, and Vrunda H. Pandya, MD, Board Certified in Anesthesiology with fellowship training in Regional Anesthesia. Their combined expertise in interventional pain management and anesthesia ensures patients in San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville have access to advanced, minimally invasive treatments designed to target pain at its source.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency Ablation is a procedure that uses heat from radio waves to disrupt pain signals being sent to the brain. By targeting the small nerves responsible for transmitting pain, it offers a solution for those living with spinal pain or joint-related discomfort. Unlike treatments that only mask symptoms, RFA addresses the root cause of pain.
How the Procedure Works
The process begins with a medial branch block to confirm the exact source of pain. If this temporary block provides relief, RFA becomes the next step. The procedure typically involves:
- Applying local anesthesia and light sedation for comfort
- Guiding a thin needle to the targeted nerve using imaging technology
- Delivering radiofrequency energy to heat the nerve tissue
- Interrupting the pain signals traveling to the brain
The Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation offers meaningful relief by addressing the nerves that send pain signals. Key benefits include:
- Long-lasting results: Many patients experience reduced pain for six months to a year.
- Minimally invasive: As an outpatient procedure, recovery time is short with little disruption to daily life.
- Reduced reliance on medications: Less need for ongoing prescriptions or pain relievers.
- Improved mobility: Patients often return to normal activities that were once limited by pain.
Who May Benefit
RFA is often recommended for patients with chronic back, neck, or joint pain that has not improved through conservative care. It is especially helpful for those who responded well to a medial branch block, which confirms the pain is nerve-related.
Good candidates may include:
- People with arthritis-related spine or joint pain
- Patients with facet joint pain in the neck or lower back
- Individuals seeking options short of surgery
A careful evaluation helps determine if RFA is the right choice for lasting relief.
Relief for Chronic Pain in San Antonio, Boerne & Kerrville, TX
Chronic pain should not keep you from enjoying life in San Antonio, Boerne, or Kerrville. Radiofrequency Ablation is a proven treatment that can help you find lasting relief from persistent back, neck, or joint pain.
Contact Freedom Spine & Pain Center today at 210-920-8945 or use our online booking system to schedule your consultation and discover whether this advanced option is right for you.