When someone has Sacroiliac joint pain, a good way to treat the symptoms is to get a Radiofrequency Ablation. It can be a quick and easy process that can help the person with their pain. However, there are many complications that may arise, so it is important to know what to expect before getting this procedure.
Chronic low back pain
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability in the United States. Low back pain is also one of the top costs of health care, according to Dieleman et al.4 Its cost is estimated at EUR3.5 billion in 2007 in the Netherlands.
However, researchers have found that radiofrequency ablation offers lasting relief for chronic low back pain. In fact, radiofrequency ablation is a less invasive procedure than steroid injections and can be used to treat pain in the spine, joint, and neck.
Radiofrequency ablation is done through a procedure known as radiofrequency nerve stimulation. This technique involves the use of a small, hollow needle to deliver an electrical current to the nerves. The needle is guided by a fluoroscopic machine.
The treatment is minimally invasive and can last for years. Patients may experience some pain in the area where the needle is inserted for a couple of weeks. A ice pack may help, but you should avoid using a heating pad on the injection site.
Osteoarthritis of the neck or back
If you’re suffering from osteoarthritis of the neck or back, your doctor may recommend a treatment that includes both steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). These procedures are designed to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
Steroid injections involve injecting a solution of steroids into the joint. This is typically done under local anesthesia. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and usually produces good results. However, it doesn’t always have a lasting effect.
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a hollow needle to deliver an electric current through the nerve. Heat generated by the current disrupts the signal to the brain, which prevents the pain from coming through.
When compared to steroid injections, RFA is a more effective option for chronic pain. Most patients report relief from their pain after just one injection.
RFA has a low risk of infection and side effects. It can also be used to treat a wide variety of painful spinal conditions.
Sacroiliac joint pain
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of sacroiliac joint pain. It uses x-ray guidance to inject a thin needle into the SI joints. During the procedure, heat is delivered to the targeted area by radiofrequency to disrupt the nerves that provide pain signals to the brain. This technique can be used for sacroiliitis, sacroiliac arthritis, and facet joint pain.
One of the advantages of radiofrequency ablation is its ability to provide relief in less than an hour. Another advantage is the ability to perform it during an outpatient visit.
In addition to its immediate pain relief, radiofrequency ablation also improves function. Its benefits may be longer lasting than injections. The procedure is safe and effective. If you’re considering the procedure, you should talk with your physician.
Sacroiliac joint pain is a common cause of lower back pain. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Treatment is often conservative, including opiates, physical therapy, and steroid injections.
Complications
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure for chronic pain. It is often a safe and effective treatment. However, it is important to be aware of potential complications.
One of the most common side effects of radiofrequency ablation is allergic reactions. Patients may also experience numbness or tingling. If these side effects persist, patients should talk to their healthcare provider about possible remedies.
Patients can also experience bleeding inside the body. There are several reasons for this, including the injection of anesthetic and contrast dye. To avoid this, patients should discuss their blood-thinning medications with their doctor before the procedure.
The best way to protect against these complications is to find a doctor with a great track record. He or she will have experience performing the procedure and can help prevent nerve damage.
Depending on your situation, the ablation may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient special procedure suite. In these instances, a local anesthetic is injected before the procedure.