Radiofrequency Ablation
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Pain Physicians of Indiana
Interventional Pain Management Specialists located in Merrillville, IN
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation can effectively treat your chronic pain by heating and blocking nerve pain signals. Knowledgeable physician Tarek H. Shahbandar, MD, provides radiofrequency ablation for women and men dealing with chronic pain at the Pain Physicians of Indiana, P.C., located in Merrillville, Indiana. This groundbreaking treatment method is highly successful and can deactivate those unruly pain-signaling nerves with the latest advanced medical technology. Schedule your personal consultation here on the web or call today.
Radiofrequency Ablation Q & A
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RF) is a proven-successful treatment method used to decrease your pain. The results can last from six to 12 months or more.
When you have chronic pain, your nerve pain signals fire consistently, and your body can hurt for weeks, months, or even years. RF can stop these pain signals by utilizing an electric current to target, heat, and destroy the painful nerve endings in your joint.
RF ablation is a great choice for those with:
- Chronic pain
- Post-traumatic pain or whiplash
- Pain after spinal surgery
- Arthritic and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Nerve entrapment syndrome
RF ablation can yield lasting relief for chronic pain and arthritis, especially in the knee, neck, and lower back area. During your personal consultation, Dr. Tarek Shahbandar can help you decide if RF ablation is the right way to treat your chronic pain.
How does RF ablation work?
During your procedure, you first lie down on your stomach on an X-ray table. You might receive a medication to help you relax.
Guided by a live video X-ray, Dr. Shahbandar inserts a small insulated needle next to your painful nerves. Protective insulation covers most of the shaft of the small needle to make sure the electrical current only targets the necessary nerves.
Dr. Shahbandar then injects local anesthesia to numb the area and uses the RF conductor to deliver the current.
For around 24 hours after your RF ablation procedure, you should refrain from driving or any vigorous activity. You should try to get some rest. The next day, you can get back to your typical everyday activities.
What are the benefits of RF ablation?
RF ablation offers many benefits, including:
- An effective non-pharmaceutical solution
- Improved pain relief and mobility for up to 12 months or longer
- Mild sedation and local anesthesia (no need for an overnight hospital stay)
You can expect a fast and smooth recovery time after your RF ablation treatment. Significant pain relief is typically reported within one to two weeks.
To learn more about RF ablation and how it can improve your quality of life, call the office or book your appointment with Dr. Shahbandar online.
