Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Chronic neck pain without associated radicular symptoms such as radiation of pain, tingling, numbness, or pins & needles can be burdensome, but here at Solutions In Pain this localized chronic neck pain can be treated with excellent precision & efficacy through blocking or interrupting the signals responsible for pain. Therefore our clinic offers a procedure known as Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): a short 10-15 minute therapeutic procedure where we can effectively target the facet joints of the spine with an electric current produced by a radio wave. This current heats a small area of the nervous tissue where a pain signal is created effectively blocking or interrupting the signals that cause neck pain from communicating with the brain thereby substantially reducing the pain of those who suffer from localized chronic neck pain.

Clinical Indications For This Procedure

  • Cervical Spondylosis
  • Diffuse Cervical Arthropathy
  • Chronic Neck Pain Without Radicular Symptoms
  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
  • Successful Completion Of Serial Medial Branch Blocks (MBB) With Clinically Satisfactory Results

What To Expect From Your Procedure
You will arrive at our clinic 15 minutes prior to your appointment with a designated driver where we will educate you at length on the benefits & risks of the procedure. After this discussion we will then have you sign a consent form and you will subsequently be positioned in preparation for the procedure.

Chloraprep will then be used to clean the procedural site & surrounding skin to help decrease chances of infection. The procedure site will then be identified under fluoroscopic guidance. Once the site is appropriately identified an injection of a numbing medication called lidocaine will be administered to numb the procedural site & surrounding skin. Once the lidocaine has settled the facet joint targets will be injected with a cocktail consisting of anesthetic (bupivacaine) and steroid (kenalog). This cocktail disperses and bathes the facet joints providing optimal pain relief for the following radiofrequency ablation. Before moving forward with the radiofrequency ablation we perform a trial of motor nerve tests to assure the targeted nerve is sensory and not compromising any motor nerves and their function. After we complete this clinical assessment and have allowed the medications to settle in we will proceed with radiofrequency ablation. Following procedure you will then be assessed and observed for an additional 5-10 minutes following completion of the procedure to ensure your safety and then scheduled for the next RFA as this is a bilateral procedure after which we will schedule post-procedural follow up at 10 days.

What To Expect After Procedure

  • Substantial reduction in localized chronic neck pain
  • Pain relief ranging from days to as long as 3-12 months or greater
  • Acute short term mild swelling or pain around the injection site

Risks Associated With Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

  • Misplacement of the needle
  • Unexpected bleeding
  • Drug allergies
  • Infection
  • Nerve damage
  • Worsening pain
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