Struggling With Chronic Pain? Radiofrequency Ablation Could Be the Solution

If you’re one of the 51.6 million Americans living with chronic pain, you know just how exhausting it can be. Chronic pain can impact your sleep, mental health, and work productivity.

But medication isn’t always enough to manage your pain. What happens then?

When medications only provide temporary relief and surgery seems too invasive, you may consider interventional pain management treatments.

Below, board-certified pain medicine physician Dr. Lalani and his team at Irfan Lalani Medical zero in on one particular kind of interventional pain management treatment — radiofrequency ablation — and how it can help with chronic pain.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat generated from radio waves to disrupt the nerves responsible for sending pain signals. The heat damages the nerve (but not the surrounding tissue) and limits its ability to send pain messages to your brain. This is how radiofrequency ablation can reduce or even stop the transmission of pain from certain areas of your body.

Dr. Lalani offers different types of fluoroscopic-guided radiofrequency ablation, including:

Cervical facet radiofrequency ablation

This type of ablation targets nerves in your neck that cause chronic pain from arthritis or injury. This can significantly reduce headaches, neck stiffness, and radiating shoulder pain.

Lumbar facet radiofrequency ablation

This type of ablation focuses on nerves in your lower back that often contribute to pain from arthritis, degenerative changes, or repetitive strain. This approach can ease stiffness, improve mobility, and reduce reliance on medications.

When to consider radiofrequency ablation

Dr. Lalani may recommend radiofrequency ablation when other conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief. It can help with pain related to:

Arthritis of the spine (facet joint pain)
Neck and back pain
Sacroiliac joint pain
Some types of nerve-related pain

Dr. Lalani carefully evaluates whether you’re a candidate based on your health history and the source of your pain. Even if radiofrequency ablation isn’t right for you, you’re not out of options. We offer several other types of interventional pain management here in our Sugar Land, Texas, office.

What to expect during the procedure

Dr. Lalani performs radiofrequency ablation in an outpatient setting, meaning you go home the same day.

The procedure can be broken down into four basic steps:

You receive a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area
Dr. Lalani uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to place a thin needle near the targeted nerve
A small electrical current confirms the right location
Dr. Lalani applies radiofrequency energy and creates controlled heat to disable the nerve

The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and most people return to normal activity within a day or two.

How long does the pain relief last?

When you’ve been dealing with pain for months (or even years), the number one question you likely have is how long the pain relief will last.

Many people experience relief for six months to a year or longer, depending on how quickly the nerves regenerate. According to research published in Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 60% people who had radiofrequency ablation still experienced a 90% reduction in pain 12 months after their initial treatment.

Other studies show that pain relief can last 24 months post-treatment.

Good news: If pain returns, the procedure can be repeated.

Combining radiofrequency ablation with other pain management strategies

Once radiofrequency ablation takes the edge off your pain, you can incorporate other pain management strategies — such as physical therapy — to further improve your mobility and strength. Because radiofrequency ablation reduces pain, you’re better able to participate in therapy and make meaningful progress.

Take the next step toward chronic pain relief

If chronic pain is holding you back, it’s time to explore your options. Schedule a consultation at Irfan Lalani Medical today to see if radiofrequency ablation is right for you.

You can also reach us at 979-401-4263.