Radiofrequency treatment for back pain

Radiofrequency ablation is an emerging minimally invasive treatment for back pain that uses heat to interrupt pain signals in the spinal nerves. 

Dr Yasser Mehrez is a leading consultant in pain medicine, anaesthesia and intensive care who offers this treatment to his patients suffering chronic back pain. We spoke to him to learn more about this treatment, the benefits and side effects, and who is an ideal candidate to undergo it.

How does radiofrequency treatment for back pain work?

Radiofrequency ablation treatment helps relieve spinal pain caused by abnormal stress and strain on the muscles of the vertebral column. The treatment offers long-term pain relief for up to 18 months and is considered a more advanced treatment compared to standard injections. Patients who receive radiofrequency treatment experience much less pain afterwards, can exercise more, and notice a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Radiofrequency is considered the newest treatment for joint pain, particularly after undergoing major joint replacement surgery such as a hip replacement. Furthermore, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment is an even newer and unique alternative which can provide pain relief, particularly for nerve and scar pain.

What does a typical session look like?

Patients have to go through an assessment beforehand to establish if they are suitable for this treatment. This will include various imaging, MRI scans, physiotherapy, etc. The treatment is a day procedure, so you won't need to stay overnight in the hospital. The treatment is performed under x-ray guidance, and you will usually be lightly sedated, so it's more comfortable.

You will typically attend in the morning, and the whole session takes around half an hour, depending on the condition. You will then need around 20 minutes to recover and will then be able to go back home if all goes well.    

How long does it take for radiofrequency treatment to start working?

We normally advise patients that it can take between two to four weeks for the pain to fully subside. However, you will usually start to notice your pain starting to resolve after a few days.

What are the benefits?

Following treatment, the vast majority of patients see a significant improvement in the quality of many aspects of their life. Patients generally experience the following:

• a significant reduction in their level of pain
• to be able to walk more, exercise more, and return to playing sports
• a much better night's sleep
• a reduction in their use of medications
• a general improvement in both their social and professional life

Who is an ideal candidate for this procedure?

The ideal candidate is someone who has been diagnosed with moderate to severe mechanical spinal pain that starts in the facet joints. These people generally complain of spinal pain, don't respond well to physiotherapy, and their symptoms affect their quality of life.

Another ideal candidate might be someone who has undergone joint surgery such as hip replacement and is experiencing persistent joint pain.

Additionally, patients who experience treatment-resistant pain after spinal surgeries would also benefit, as their treatment options following these procedures are quite limited.

Are there any side effects?

It is generally a very safe procedure and many new techniques have been developed to improve its safety. Before undergoing this procedure, we warn patients of the slight discomfort and pain they might experience after, which can last two to six weeks. This pain, however, is generally easily manageable with the use of simple painkillers. Further complications are very uncommon.

Patients will receive information and are encouraged to ask questions during the consultations. The British Pain Society and Faculty of Pain Medicine explain everything in regards to the side-effects, which we will also explain to you before the procedure.

Takeaway

The vast majority of patients who undergo radiofrequency treatment report that they notice a significant improvement in their pain. It is important to note it is not a permanent cure; it is normal for the pain to return after around 18 months - this is not due to the failure of treatment. When patients' pain does come back, they opt for this treatment again knowing that this has helped them more in comparison to other short-acting interventions.
 

If you are considering radiofrequency ablation and you would like to consult your options with an expert, don't hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Yasser Mehrez via his Top Doctors profile today to book a consultation to see him.