David S. Klein, M.D.

Neck Pain

RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) NEUROABLATION

Neck or back pain can be caused by many different areas in the back and spinal cord areas. Pain can result from disease, trauma, or degeneration of the disk itself, of pain can result from injuries, disease, or degeneration of the ligaments that hold the spine together. Degeneration of the facet joints that allow the spine flexibility, causes tremendous pain and disability.

Additionally, problems with the spinal nerves or branches, muscles and bursa (lubricating sacs) can cause remarkable pain and disability. When traditional methods of pain management have failed to provide adequate pain relief, radio frequency denervation has been found to be an effective treatment.

RADIO FREQUENCY NEUROABLATION (DENERVATION) is the destruction of nerves by "burning" the nerve using heat generated by an electric current. By destroying the nerves, the "cause of the pain" is removed. The nerves may "re-grow" after a year or so, or the destruction may be permanent. The hope is that if the nerve grows back in, it may be less irritable, and result in resolution of pain; if not, the nerve may need to be re-treated.

Radio Frequency denervation is done as an outpatient or office procedure. The physician generally sedates the patient, and a needle is placed through the skin until it enters or approaches the appropriately identified area. Once the needle is positioned, and this position is checked with an X-ray (fluoroscope), a little local anesthetic medicine is injected, again to verify needle placement, and an electrical current is passed through an element in the tip of the needle, which heats it to approximately 150 degrees. Once the nerve is destroyed with the heat, the needle is withdrawn.

For approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure, pain may be experienced in the involved structures, a direct result of the tissue burn. This pain resolves, and successful resolution or reduction in pain levels can be expected in approximately 70% of patients treated with RF neuroablation.

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM, FACMIMS
Director, Pain Center of Orlando
www.suffernomore.com