How effective is RFA?

More than 70\% of patients experience lasting relief with radiofrequency ablation. It usually takes 1-3 weeks for the treatment to take its full effect. Pain relief typically lasts 6 months to 2 years, and for some patients, the pain never returns. It’s possible, however, for the nerve to regrow.

Can radiofrequency ablation last forever?

Pain Relief From Radiofrequency Ablation The pain relief may last six months to a year or even longer. Sometimes, nerves do grow back. In such cases, the radiofrequency ablation may need to be repeated.

Does RFA work for back pain?

RFA can be used to help patients with chronic (long-lasting) low-back and neck pain and pain related to the degeneration of joints from arthritis.

How many times can RFA be repeated?

If the patient’s level of relief is only minimal after undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment, then it can be repeated two or three weeks later.

What happens if nerve ablation doesn’t work?

In some cases, the nerves targeted in the procedure may grow back, so your pain will return. If the radiofrequency ablation relieved your pain temporarily, but then returned after a few months, it may be beneficial to repeat the procedure.

Can nerve ablation be permanent?

Radiofrequency neurotomy isn’t a permanent fix for back or neck pain. Studies on the success of treatment have been conflicting. Some people may have modest, short-term pain relief, while others might feel better for several months. Sometimes, the treatment does not improve pain or function at all.

Does nerve ablation help sciatica?

Ablation procedures have been used to treat chronic back pain and sciatica of unknown etiology as an alternative to surgical severing the dorsal rami. Nerve ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves coagulation necrosis of afferent nociceptive signals via high-frequency waves (300 to 500 Hertz).

What happens if lumbar RFA doesn’t work?

Radiofrequency is used only after conventional pain relief methods like medication and local nerve blocks have failed. If you have not found relief after using fulguration, you should contact a pain management specialist who can help you choose other options to treat your pain.

What is next if lumbar ablation doesn’t work?

What is the cost of radiofrequency ablation?

On MDsave, the cost of a Radiofrequency Ablation ranges from $2,395 to $4,243. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

Do cauterized nerves grow back?

(cauterizing) these nerves. In some patients, the pain never returns. The neurotomy (if technically successful) theoretically prevents the pain signal from traveling through these nerves (from your joints to your brain) so you cannot feel or sense your injured and/or diseased spinal joints.