Radiofrequency Ablation For Headaches

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a nonsurgical procedure that uses the electrical currents of radio waves to numb nerves that cause excessive pain. The electrical currents heat your nerves to interrupt pain messages from being sent to your brain. This provides relief from chronic pain you may experience daily.

Radiofrequency ablation is often used to relieve long-term pain from arthritis or injury. Many people choose this minimally invasive procedure for the following benefits:

• Decreases their need for pain medication
• Increases their ability to enjoy and complete normal activities
• Reduces the need for surgery
• Relieves pain

Radiofrequency ablation can eliminate the need for surgeries that may lead to a high risk of infection or addictive prescription medications like opioids.

What happens during radiofrequency ablation?

The radiofrequency ablation procedure usually takes less than an hour. During the procedure, you’re awake and able to communicate with the doctor. At the start of the procedure, Dr. Kanuru gives you an intravenous sedative and applies anesthetic that numbs your skin. He locates the targeted nerve with X-ray imaging, inserts a thin needle, and uses a radiofrequency current to apply heat directly to any nerves that typically cause you pain.

What should I do after the radiofrequency ablation procedure?

After the procedure, you’re able to go home, but you should not drive yourself. Don’t exercise strenuously for 24 hours after the procedure. If your muscles feel sore in the week following the procedure, use ice packs for relief. Make sure to clean the skin where Dr. Kanuru inserted the IV needle.

What are the side effects of radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a nonsurgical procedure, so you’re less at risk for side effects than other more invasive procedures. However, you may experience mild, temporary discomfort following the procedure, including:

• Weakness or numbness in your leg
• Swelling or bruising where your doctor injected the sedative or needle
• Back discomfort

These effects usually resolve within a week and are normal as your body heals from the procedure.

What is the outcome of the radiofrequency ablation procedure?

Your overall pain should lessen significantly within a few weeks of the procedure. Pain relief from radiofrequency ablation should last from 6 to 12 months or longer.  

If you’re searching for a nonsurgical solution to your chronic pain, radiofrequency ablation may be the procedure for you. Call Kanuru Interventional Spine & Pain Institute to schedule an appointment today.