What is radiofrequency lesioning?
Radiofrequency Lesioning, an outpatient procedure to relieve chronic pain, is performed in a hospital or surgical center. Once a patient is sedated, a pain specialist looks at an X-ray to place a small, insulated needle in the affected area.
Radiofrequency treatment begins once the physician stimulates the correct nerves near the needle point.
A radiofrequency current, transmitted by a Radiofrequency Generator, travels through the insulated needle and disables the problematic nerve that sends pain indicators to your brain. To be positively pain-free, other painful areas might need to be treated.
Is the radiofrequency lesioning procedure painful?
You will experience the least amount of pain during the procedure. Pain from the treatment is mild because there is no incision and you are given a local anesthetic and sedative before the treatment begins.
You may feel soreness near the Radiofrequency Lesioning site, but the pain subsides quickly, especially if you are treated with medication. Although results vary, most patients recover after one or two days and return to work.
Am I a candidate for radiofrequency lesioning?
Ask your doctor is Radiofrequency Lesioning is the right treatment for your chronic pain. Your doctor uses nerve blocks, a disabling of a group of nerves causing pain to a region, to see if you respond to Radiofrequency Lesioning.
How long should I start feeling pain relief after radiofrequency lesioning?
While individual results of radiofrequency lesioning vary, most patients experience pain relief in three months and up to two years. However, your body is able to restore the same pain-signaling nerves. If this happens, you can get the Radiofrequency Lesioning procedure again.
What are the risks associated with radiofrequency lesioning?
Medical procedures always involve risks. Consult with your doctor or chronic pain specialist to see if you are prone to risks from the Radiofrequency Lesioning procedure. .
What should I do after the procedure?
After the procedure, you may feel too sleepy to drive. Be sure to have a trusted, responsible adult drive you home. Patients can expect pain relief within two weeks because the treatment is the least invasive. You will be sore after the procedure and should take the time to rest. Do no sit or drive for a long time during your first week in recovery. You might have to go to physical therapy or wear a brace to help your recovery.
Glossary of related terms
- Chronic Pain: A type of continuous pain, that can change from sharp to dull, and may last a few months to a few years.
- Lesion: Changed tissue structure formed by a radiofrequency current. Creation of a lesion is painless.
- Local Anesthetic: A drug used in a radiofrequency procedure that prevents a patient from feeling any sensation while remaining fully conscious.
- Needle: A thin, hollow tool used to pass materials through the body.
- Nerve: Bunches of fibers consisting of neurons that passes on sensory and motor impulses between the brain, spinal cord, and other organs.
- Nerve Block: A temporary pain obstruction caused by an anesthetic injected onto a nerve.
- Pain Signal: A message of discomfort to your brain through an electrical impulse.
- Radiofrequency Current: A high frequency, alternating energy current at radio-wave frequency that passes through an insulated needle.
- Radiofrequency Generator: A mechanism that creates an alternating energy current at high frequency.
- Radiofrequency Lesioning: The procedure of changing tissue structure by the use of a radiofrequency current.
- Regenerate: The body’s ability to renew tissue growth.
- Sedative: A drug used to calm and restrain nervousness or excitement during a Radiofrequency Lesioning procedure.
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