Many nerves run along and through our spine towards their destination, and if, for some reason, any of these nerves are rubbed, pinched, inflamed, or otherwise bothered along the way, they can cause less than pleasant sensations. Usually, the initial treatment to address spinal nerve compression is based on non-surgical measures used to alleviate inflammation, which is one of the causes of nerve compression. These include the use of pain-relieving medications and avoiding activities that may exacerbate the problem, as well as supervised physical therapy.

Additional care is usually sought to assist the patient in eliminating his or her nerve sensitivity. Despite the differences in the kinds of treatments that would be administered to a patient, one that has gained more popularity in recent years is radiofrequency ablation (RFA).   

What is radiofrequency ablation, or RFA?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or radiofrequency neurotomy, uses radio waves to generate an electrical current that heats a part of the nerve. Heat damages that nerve area and keeps it from sending pain signals to the brain. RFA can give long-term relief for patients with chronic pain in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints. Spinal stenosis in young adults can make the back pain more severe, so it would be best to consult with the right expert. For more clarification about “Is RFA good for back pain?” It would be best to have an experienced expert by your side. 

Major advantages of radiofrequency ablation

 It's safe

RFA is a safe procedure with minimal risk factors for any observed complication. Pain is a condition that can be treated with prescription medication, and when taking the medication, you are likely to experience the following side effects: With RFA, you might experience tiny pinpricks that sometimes lead to bruising or mild swelling at the injection site, slight discomfort, and a numb sensation at the needle entry point. 

 Relieves pain

The treatment offered by RFA is effective; over 70% of people get positive outcomes. Soon after the treatment, you should have minimal pain, but the full effect typically kicks in between 1 and 3 weeks. You can also anticipate long-term improvement. 

 Improves functioning

This means that when your pain is gone, you can function better. RFA is a positive outcome and implies movement or agility. Burning the nerves in the back can be a chronic sign that a professional must treat on time. 

 Quick recovery

However, you only require at least a day break after the treatment itself, which is relatively little time to spend on the recovery as you have up to 24 months of relief. Perhaps your pain would be a thing of the past, and you would be permanently free from it.

Reduces painkillers

Due to the prolonged nature of the effects of RFA, you should be able to lower your dosage of oral pain relievers. This is good news since many of them produce side effects and have risks.”

Less chances of surgery

While you may find omentectomy helpful in easing your suffering, surgery is seldom a complete solution because you are in pain for quite some time and are likely to experience such consequential damages as bleeding or infection. It brings efficiency to RFA, which perhaps would never require surgery.

In Conclusion

Radiofrequency ablation vs. steroid injection is, therefore, common in treating pain that stems from joints like the knee and is usually associated with primary spine, neck, and lower back (lumbar region) pain. The nerves branching out of the spinal cord extend from the spine to the facet and sacroiliac joints.

By applying radiofrequency, you can ask for spinal stenosis treatment for elderly treatment to get the best one. Ablation of the targeted medial branch nerve in facet joints or the lateral branch nerve in sacroiliac joints reduces pain signals that reach your brain.