Why did your doctor perform this procedure?
You will have already had a procedure to diagnose your underlying painful condition and it is likely you had significant relief of your pain following this procedure.  Your doctor believes your pain may be relieved for a longer period of time through radiofrequency ablation.  This procedure utilizes a machine to generate heat that is transmitted through a special needle.  This effectively heats and destroys the nerve.  This is a very safe procedure that can provide pain relief for up to 1-2 years. 

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How is the procedure performed?
The procedure, in many respects, will be very similar to your other procedures used to locate and treat your pain.  Special needles will be used so that the heat can be transmitted to the nerves and the whole process will take a little longer than your first procedure.  You will likely experience a little more pain because of the heating process and for this reason, your doctor will likely provide a sedation medication to “take the edge off” your pain.  After the procedure, you will be watched closely by our nurses in the recovery room.

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What can you expect after the procedure?
After the procedure is performed, you may or may not notice improved pain relief.  A local anesthetic and steroid will be placed at the treated site to numb the area and reduce the inflammation after the procedure.  You will likely experience slightly more pain after this procedure.  You may have no change or perhaps worsening of your symptoms for up to 2-3 weeks but this is usually tolerable.  Following this period of time, you will notice a gradual improvement in your symptoms.

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What are the side effects?
You may experience a small amount of bruising, bleeding or swelling at the site of the injection.  It is best to apply ice compresses to the injection site for 20-30 minutes three or four times a day for the first few days after the injection.  Please continue your regular medications.  If you develop any other problems, please call our office at 742-7030 so that we may recommend further action or go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.