Radiofrequency Ablation in Linwood, New Jersey

Radiofrequency ablation is the use of heat to ablate the tissues. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio waves to heat an area of the nerve that sends pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. Facet joints are small joints that join the vertebrae and can be a source of pain if you are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease or arthritis. They are responsible for the movements of the trunk and neck. Medial branches are the small nerves that innervate the facet joints, named cervical in the neck, thoracic in the upper back and lumbar in the mid back or lower back. We at Mainland Pain Management provide effective radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey. It is a long-term treatment for neck and back pain when the pain originates from arthritic facet joints and when other conservative measures have failed.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation or radiofrequency neurotomy is used for radio waves to create heat in a specific area. Typically, in pain management, the area is mapped using diagnostic blocks before using radiofrequency ablation. Once it is confirmed with diagnostic blocks (more than 90 percent pain relief after the block, even if it lasts for a couple of hours), a decision is made to perform radiofrequency ablation. After needles are placed in the appropriate area, they are tested to ensure only pain-generating nerves are heated, then the heat is delivered using needles. This ablates the nerves which in turn stops transmission of pain signals to the brain. It can be an alternative to surgery for neck, back or arthritic joint pain. It could also treat neuralgia when the affected nerve is mainly sensory.

The best radiofrequency ablation in Linwood, performed at Mainland, can decrease pain, improve function, and avoid or delay surgery.

In the spine, it can be used for the neck, which is also referred to as cervical or lower, and the mid back, which is referred to as Lumbar or thoracic.

How Do You Know If You Are a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

Before providing the treatment of the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey the doctor at Mainland, will first determine whether the patient is an ideal candidate for the treatment or not. Some of the determining factors are:

If you have neck or lower back pain with or without sciatica or radiculopathy with normal radiological findings
If you are diagnosed with facet arthritis
If you are diagnosed with disc degenerative disease or spondylosis and have neck or back pain
If you had back surgery or neck surgery and now have pain in the neck or back above or below the surgery
If you are diagnosed with post-laminectomy syndrome without arachnoiditis or disc herniation
If you had spinal fusion and have pain in adjacent levels
If you have pain in a specific nerve distribution
If you are diagnosed with cancer and bone metastasis

What are the risks of Radiofrequency ablation?

Since radiofrequency ablation is always done under the continuous guidance of an X-ray machine, the risks are low. However, some of the reported side effects are

Pain at the site of injections
Muscle spasms
Burning or tingling sensations

Serious complications are rare but can include

Allergic reactions
Infection
Bleeding /Hematoma
Nerve damage
Paralysis

To avoid severe complications, you should choose the right pain management physician. The experts at our centre aim to provide the best radiofrequency ablation in Linwood.

Is there Any Testing Required Before Radiofrequency Ablation?

It is not recommended to schedule anyone for radiofrequency ablation before relevant imaging. Initial imaging usually includes X-rays. Based on the X-ray results, clinicians usually decide whether additional imaging is required. Subsequent tests may include MRIs and CT scans.
If you are taking blood thinners or anticoagulants such as aspirin, plavix, warfarin, eliquis, or Xarelto, you may need blood tests before radiofrequency ablation.
Additionally, the pain team will contact the prescribing team to ensure that blood thinners are safe to be taken before the procedures.
You will get 2 different sets of diagnostic blocks before getting radiofrequency ablation.

If you get more than 90 percent pain relief with diagnostic blocks, there is a 95% success rate for radiofrequency ablation.

How To Prepare for Radiofrequency Ablation?

Before radiofrequency ablation, you most likely had diagnostic blocks with your physician. The diagnostics should have provided you with more than 80 percent pain relief and improved function, such as walking, working around the house, sitting, or standing for longer periods.

Your physician may continue Physical therapy or chiropractor before starting any treatment.
You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and or muscle relaxants before any interventions.

Like most pain procedures, you must hold blood thinners before procedures. Your physician will get clearance to hold the medications from prescribing providers before the procedure. Given your medical conditions, you might need additional blood tests if deemed necessary.

Though these are minimally invasive procedures, you can ask your physician for moderate or deep sedation.

On the Day of the Procedure

You will be asked not to eat anything 8 hours before the procedure if you choose to have anaesthesia or sedation for the procedure.
You can have all your medications with a sip of water or pulpless apple juice. You can have black coffee up to 2 hours before the procedure.
You will need to hold blood thinners. The provider will provide you with information regarding what medications need to be held and for how long prior to the procedure.
You will need a responsible adult to bring you to and from the procedure, as you cannot drive 24 hours before the procedure.

The procedure is usually performed using moderate sedation, however you can choose to be put to sleep or can avoid any and all anesthetic.If you are awake during the procedure physician will ask you specific questions during the procedure while testing for appropriate position of needles.

The procedure is done using X-ray guidance, you will be on your abdomen for the injection for a few minutes, and depending on what you choose for anaesthesia, you might be injected with sedatives after monitors are placed.

The injection area will be cleaned and numbed, and then the injection will be performed.

A bandage will be around the procedure site, which can be taken off the next day.

Advantages of Radiofrequency Ablation

Sustained/long-lasting pain relief
No surgery
Avoid long-term use of pain medications
Improved quality of life and early return to normal activities

When To Call the Pain Management Office

You will regularly follow up with your pain management provider within 2-3 weeks of the procedure. However, call the office.

If regular over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, Motrin or Aleve are not helping with the pain

if you have increased numbness or weakness in your leg or arm, visit the pain management specialist.

What to Expect After the Procedure

You might have more than your usual pain for 7-10 days after the procedure. While most patients report soreness akin to a bad workout, some may feel spasms like pain or even a burning sensation. Some patients do not report any additional pain after the procedure.

Most times, simple ice packs, anti-inflammatory medication such as Tylenol, Aleve, or Motrin, and muscle relaxants take care of the post-procedure pain. Few patients may require oral steroids to help with pain. You will follow up with the provider 2 -3 weeks following radiofrequency ablation.

Most patients experience pain relief for 1 ½ – 2 years, whereas some have reported relief up to 3 years after the procedure.

To obtain the best radiofrequency ablation treatment in New Jersey for chronic pain alleviation of the lower back, facet arthritis, spondylosis, and other conditions. Consult at Mainland Pain Management.

FAQs - Radiofrequency Ablation in Linwood, New Jersey

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Ans. Essentially, radiofrequency is used to heat up tissue in the pain-affected area of your body. This causes a heat lesion on the nerves in question, preventing them from relaying pain signals to your brain. As a result, your brain does not know how to inform your body to feel pain, allowing you to experience less pain and discomfort.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, while treatment outcomes vary from patient to patient, over 70% of patients experience relief that lasts a year or more. To get the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey you can consult Dr. Dipty Mangla at Mainland Pain Management. The specialist uses this advanced treatment method to treat varied types of pain.

What is the Downside of Radiofrequency Ablation?

Ans. Side effects can include infections of the skin near the injection site. During needle insertion, the surrounding blood vessels and nerves are damaged, resulting in severe bleeding and/or irreparable neurologic damage that causes long-term numbness and tingling. Some patients may experience transient weakness or numbness, as well as swelling or bruising at the site of insertion.

However, these are very rare risk factors and can be mitigated by getting the treatment done by an experienced pain management specialist. You can consult Dr. Dipty Mangla for the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey.

How Long Does it Take to Feel Better After Radiofrequency Ablation?

Ans. Pain relief after radiofrequency ablation can be immediate for some people. Patients are frequently up and about and back to work within 24 to 72 hours of the treatment. Pain relief is usually felt within 10 days, though for some people it may be quick, while for others it may take up to three weeks.

You may resume normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable, but avoid vigorous activity for the first 24 hours after the treatment. You will be able to return to work 24 hours after your treatment. If you have a physically demanding job, you should consider taking 1-2 days off. To get more information, you can consult Dr. Dipty Mangla who provides the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey at Mainland Pain Management.

Why am I in so Much Pain after Radiofrequency Ablation?

Ans. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive surgery, but it is common to have some pain and discomfort in the weeks following your procedure. Because the nerves are stimulated, you may have some elevated discomfort in the days following the treatment; however, this is typical and will subside over time.

However, pain that keeps on worsens after radiofrequency ablation may suggest a problem, such as an infection. In such a scenario one can consult the pain management specialist who offers the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey, Dr. Dipty Mangla.

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Worth It?

Ans. The value of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is determined by the individual's unique circumstances and the intensity of their chronic pain. RFA can provide effective, long-term pain relief for certain patients, but its appropriateness should be decided in consultation with a healthcare physician, taking into account potential benefits and dangers.

Moreover, researches show radiofrequency ablation offers a success rate of 70-80% in patients who have had effective nerve blocks. The procedure can be repeated if necessary. To get the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey, you can consult Dr. Dipty Mangla at Mainland Pain Management.

How Long Does Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation Last?

Ans. Following a radiofrequency ablation treatment, patients frequently find long-lasting pain alleviation, however the length varies from person to person. Although not permanent, this treatment frequently provides patients with 12 to 36 months of pain relief after a single procedure. In many circumstances, patients are able to wean themselves off pain medications or avoid surgery.

If you don't notice a significant improvement in your pain levels following the treatment, your pain specialist may recommend repeating the treatment in two or three weeks. You can get the expert consultation with Dr. Dipty Mangla for the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey at Mainland Pain Management.

Who is a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

Ans. Radiofrequency ablation is used by doctors to treat a wide range of painful illnesses. This treatment option is typically best for those suffering from chronic pain. Those who have not found relief from other techniques such as physical therapy or medications. Speaking with your doctor is the best way to find out if this surgery is right for you, although good candidates often have one of the following conditions:

Leg pain
Back pain
Neck pain
Arthritic discomfort
Lower back pain
Knee discomfort

To learn about your candidacy for the treatment you can get consultation with Dr. Dipty Mangla, a renowned pain management specialist. The doctor is known for offering the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey at Mainland Pain Management.

What is the Alternative to Radiofrequency Ablation?

Ans. After the RFA treatment, nerves can regrow and begin producing pain again. If this occurs, the radiofrequency ablation procedure can be repeated, and if the results are the same, your doctor may consider surgical intervention. In such cases patients are advised to consult a skilled pain management expert.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Radiofrequency Ablation?

Ans. RFA, or radiofrequency ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure for shrinking tumors, nodules, and other growths in the body. RFA is used to treat benign and malignant tumors, chronic venous insufficiency in the legs, and chronic back and neck pain.

You can get the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey at Mainland Pain Management. At the facility, Dr. Dipty Mangla utilizes radiofrequency ablation for treating pain in areas such as back, neck and head, pelvic, etc. as well as for the patients with cancer and bone metastasis.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

Ans. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, creates a current that heats a tiny region of nerve tissue using radio waves. The heat destroys that section of the nerve, preventing it from transmitting pain signals to your brain. RFA can provide long-term relief for those suffering from chronic pain, particularly in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints. The objectives of radiofrequency ablation are to stop or lessen discomfort, enhance functionality, reduce the number of pain relievers you use, and to avoid or postpone surgery.

To avail the benefits of the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey, one can consult Dr. Dipty Mangla at Mainland Pain Management.

Who Should Not Undergo Radiofrequency Ablation?

Ans. Patients with active infection, low platelet count cannot get radio frequency ablation. Patients on blood thinners may need extra work up before getting radio frequency ablation

Dr. Dipty Mangla, who provides the best radiofrequency ablation in New Jersey, first determines the patient’s candidacy for the treatment. The doctor will assess your medical history, present symptoms, and risk profile to determine whether you could benefit from this treatment. To learn more, please contact us at +1 (609) 788-3626 or mail us at info@mainalnd-pain-management.com to schedule an appointment. Start your journey of well being with an expert!