Recent studies have recommended radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as one of the therapies for people with chronic back pain. It provides patients a non-invasive treatment since most cannot find adequate relief from other conservative treatment modalities. The duration of the effect of RFA is among patients’ most frequently asked questions.
How radiofrequency ablation helps to manage back pain
Understanding radiofrequency ablation
However, when researching the soothing qualities of varicose veins, it is crucial to know what radiofrequency ablation is. In essence, RFA hurts the nerves by making a heat lesion to hinder the transmission of pain signals and offer comfort to persons experiencing chronic back pain. The therapy is often done on an outpatient basis with the use of a thin needle placed close to the desired nerve.
Duration of pain relief
Another advantage of this technique is the longevity of the patient’s relief from pain. Although the result of laser procedures varies with different persons, for many patients, relief from chronic pain for a more extended period is guaranteed. Generally, the outcomes known as radiofrequency ablation span 6-18 months, with a few patients noting that they remain free from the pain for two years or more. However, it is necessary to highlight that the effectiveness of the administered drugs in terms of eradicating pain only lasts for a short amount of time in all patients.
Repeat procedures
Minimally invasive and relatively safe, patients reported considerable pain relief from radiofrequency ablation, and many returned for the procedure when the relief began to wane. The nerves treated by radiofrequency ablation back function after some time, so the pain relief is temporary. Nonetheless, one can perform the procedure with the same efficiency when needed. Most practitioners agree that there should ideally be at least six months between RFA treatments in the same area.
Complementary treatments and long-term management
Though it is widely recognized that radiofrequency ablation can afford substantial and durable pain relief levels, it is commonly used as part of a multimodal pain control scheme. Other treatments and changes in lifestyle should be used in conjunction with RFA to enhance the outcomes achieved. For instance, physiotherapy might improve the condition of the muscles surrounding the spinal column, making the elements treated less stressful and contributing to the interval between the sessions.
Conclusion
One of the possibilities is radiofrequency ablation, which effectively complements the medicinal treatment of chronic back pain; such a procedure can help a person find lasting relief, which may last as long as six to eighteen months in some cases or even more.