Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment option for people with chronic back, neck or joint pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. In Sydney, it’s most commonly used in the treatment of arthritis. Still, it can also be used on the spinal cord to treat chronic pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia and shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). It is typical for patients to want to know more about their treatment and this guide contains everything about undergoing radiofrequency ablation in Sydney.
What is RFA?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to reduce pain. It’s performed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia and takes less than an hour. The patient can often return home the same day, although they should plan on resting for the remainder of the day.
One advantage to RFA over other minimally invasive procedures is that no incisions or sutures are involved; instead, it uses heat generated by electric current to destroy nerves around joints and muscles to relieve pain. This procedure may also be used for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.
The physician injects lidocaine into an area near where he will perform radiofrequency ablation using ultrasound guidance so that he knows precisely where to place electrodes around nerves affecting your condition before making a small incision with a needle-like device called a cannula which allows him access inside tissue layers without cutting them apart with scalpels or knives into multiple tissues simultaneously which could lead these tissues become injured from improper use of tools like scissors or knives. Always consult your physician in Sydney before undergoing this procedure. The procedure is not a simple pain fix for chronic conditions.
How does RFA work?
Radiofrequency ablation works by heating the nerve tissue in the area of pain. Nerves are coated with an insulating substance called myelin. RFA works by heating the tissue under that myelin layer, which can reduce or eliminate pain signals from reaching your brain. This is a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis; you can go home after your procedure and resume normal activities within 24 hours. In Sydney, almost all patients receive a brief rundown about their medical procedure, so use the opportunity to clarify any treatment-related doubts.
Radiofrequency ablation is often performed as part of a multidisciplinary approach to treating chronic low back pain. In other words: if you have tried other treatments but haven’t found relief, talk to your doctor about RFAs!
Postherpetic Neuralgia Therapy
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure using radio waves heat to destroy nerve fibres. It can treat chronic pain, including nerve pain from fibromyalgia and shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). RFA can also be used on the spinal cord to treat chronic pain associated with spinal stenosis, disc herniation, and other conditions.
Over 15% of patients with chronic illnesses in Sydney never attain pain alleviation. RFA is a good option for people who have tried other treatments but haven’t succeeded. Other options include medications or surgery; however, these may not work or could cause side effects such as stomach aches or headaches. Unlike other procedures that require cutting into your body (like surgery), RFA is done outside your body by inserting an electrode into the area where nerves meet muscle tissue near joints. The electrode delivers energy directly into these areas to destroy them without damaging surrounding tissues like nerves or tendons—which means there are fewer risks involved than with surgical methods like cortisone injections because there’s less chance of damaging healthy tissue as well!
Post-Treatment Care
Remember to ask your doctor what you can expect after undergoing the Radiofrequency ablation in Sydney. Some soreness after the procedure is perfectly normal. Patients are typically discharged immediately after the procedure, but someone may need to drive them home. Driving constitutes strenuous activity patients must avoid for 1-2 weeks. Moreover, you may experience mild muscle spasms at the surgery site for a few days. Always report any severe symptoms to your doctor immediately.
