Radiofrequency Ablation

Novo Wellness

Regenerative Medicine Pain Management & Aesthetic & Wellness Clinic located in Aiken, SC & Hilton Head Island, SC

Pain in your back, neck, or any joint can soon feel like more than just a minor inconvenience if you’re struggling to find relief. At Novo Wellness, William Durrett, MD, and Jennifer Mumford, PA-C, offer radiofrequency ablation to calm painful nerves and relieve your symptoms. To find out if you’re a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation, call either office in Aiken or Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, or book an appointment online today.

Radiofrequency Ablation Q&A

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation, or rhizotomy, is a way to calm nerves that cause chronic pain. The procedure is minimally invasive and can either greatly reduce or stop pain signals from travelling to your brain.

During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, your provider at Novo Wellness numbs the targeted area with local anesthesia. They use a type of X-ray called a fluoroscope to guide a needle into the region where your pain originates.

They might also inject contrast dye to get a clearer view and make sure the needle is in the correct place.

Once the needle is in place, your provider passes a current of radiofrequency energy through the needle toward the targeted nerve. The energy destroys the nerve so it can no longer transmit pain signals.

What can radiofrequency ablation treat?

Radiofrequency ablation treats several conditions that commonly cause chronic or recurrent pain. As long as you’ve previously received a successful nerve block for your pain in the past, you’re likely a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation.

A few common types of pain treatable with radiofrequency ablation are:

Arthritic joint pain
Sacroiliitis
Neck pain
Back pain
Knee pain
Pelvic pain
Peripheral nerve pain

Each treatment with radiofrequency ablation takes about 30-90 minutes to complete. If there are multiple aggravated nerves in the region, your provider repeats the process.

How long does it take to recover after radiofrequency ablation?

For 15-60 minutes after your procedure, you’ll spend time in a recovery room. If you had sedation, Novo Wellness monitors your vital signs as they return to normal levels. You might feel a dull burning or numbness in the treatment area.

For the first couple of days after radiofrequency ablation, you can use an ice pack to numb the area and calm any resulting swelling.

You shouldn’t use heat packs, but you can safely take warm showers during this time. Showers are the preferred option over baths for at least the first two days. You should also take some time to rest.

About 1-3 weeks after your radiofrequency ablation treatment, you’ll notice its effects.

To find out more about radiofrequency ablation and how it works against pain, call Novo Wellness or schedule a consultation online today.

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