Nerve fiber endings are embedded in soft tissue and in normal use are constantly being heated and cooled, stretched and squeezed. They are subject to trauma, inflammation, and infection, like other body tissues. When a nerve is damaged or injured, it dies. Within a short time new nerves are formed. This process is the basis for radiofrequency.

What is Radiofrequency?
 
Radiofrequency heat is used as a means to lyse (partially or totally destroy) nerve tissue. Radiofrequency provides partial to complete interruption of the nerve fibers innervating involved areas and produces significant, lasting relief and a return to normal activity as well as gainful employment.

After evaluating the results of diagnostic nerve blocks, such as Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks or Facet Joint Injections, where pain relief has been achieved (even if it is short term reduction/relief of the pain,) the patient may be considered a candidate for the nerve to be destroyed to provide long-term relief of pain.

Where is this Procedure Performed?

The patient will require use of outpatient services: OR room, use of fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray), and the radiofrequency machine. Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O. / Hee (Dennis) S. Lee, M.D. uses a needle electrode that has a sharp point. The point permits the direct penetration of the skin. The procedure is done under fluoroscopy to permit her to directly visualize the area's bones and
joints. This allows the exact area to be identified for radiofrequency ablation.

Describe the Procedure

When the appropriate site is located, a nerve simulator is turned on briefly. Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O. looks for movement in the area around the insertion site or for movement in an arm or leg (depending on the nerve to be lysed.) When this has been completed, Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O. heats up the needle electrode to lyse the nerve area. The destruction of the nerve interrupts the pathway of the pain impulses to the pain. After several months the nerve begins to regenerate itself, establishing a healthy, pain-free pathway.

At the end of the procedure, a simple self-adhering bandage is placed over the area of the needle electrode placement. The patient is transferred from the special x-ray procedure room. After the patient has met recovery standards, the patient is discharged home or to an in-patient  hospital room.

Anticipated Reactions Following Procedure

Patients may be sore around the area of needle electrode insertions for several days. Moist heat, massage, and pain medications may be used to reduce this pain.

Most patients are sent to occupational or physical therapy for instruction in a Home Exercise Program. Patients are usually allowed to increase their activity level over several weeks following the procedure.

Follow-up

Patients return to the physician for routine follow-up visits to give progress reports on pain reduction and report their adherence to the Home Exercise Program as instructed.

Who Best Benefits from this Procedure?

Patient populations who may benefit from radiofrequency ablation include:
Low Pack Pain
Cervical Pain Syndromes
Neuralgias
Radiculopathy
Headaches
Chronic pain involving the Sympathetic Nervous System
Chronic Malignant Pain
 
Who should avoid this Procedure?

Radiofrequency is not recommended for patients with a cardiac pacemaker.

Get real answers at Gulf Coast Pain Management.
If you have any questions whatsoever regarding this procedure,
please do not hesitate to ask Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O.