Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for musculoskeletal problems, including back, neck, and knee pain. At his practice in Kyle, Floresville, La Vernia, and Gonzales, Texas, fellowship-trained interventional pain management specialist Eric Miller, MD, offers radiofrequency ablation on an outpatient basis. Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to schedule a radiofrequency ablation consultation, or book your appointment online. 

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a quick, outpatient procedure that uses targeted radio waves to heat nerve tissue. The heat damages the treated nerves, stopping them from sending pain signals to your brain. 

Radiofrequency ablation is safe and presents few risks. It’s particularly effective for chronic pain that doesn’t respond to other, more conservative treatments.

What types of problems can benefit from radiofrequency ablation?

Dr. Miller uses radiofrequency ablation to treat various musculoskeletal problems, including:

• Chronic back pain caused by sciatica and sacroiliac (SI) joint problems
• Neck pain
• Knee pain
• Neuropathy

Sometimes, Dr. Miller uses radiofrequency ablation to help patients avoid or delay surgery or reduce the amount of pain medications they take.  

What happens during radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure that takes 15 minutes to two hours, depending on how many nerves get treated.

When you arrive at the office, you change out of your clothes and into a gown. Then, you sit or lie on a treatment table. Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Miller inserts a very thin, hollow needle into the specific nerves causing your pain. He then inserts a small electrode into the top of the needle, sending radio waves through it and into your nerves. 

After positioning the needle and electrode, Dr. Miller turns the radiofrequency ablation machine on. The machine emits radio waves that cause your nerves to heat up. The heating process causes a lesion to form, blocking the nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.

Treatment is precise, so none of your healthy surrounding nerves are damaged. 

What is recovery like after radiofrequency ablation?

After your radiofrequency ablation treatment, Dr. Miller removes the needles and places you in a recovery room for observation. You can’t drive after treatment, so you need a friend or family member to pick you up and drive you home. 

Rest and recuperate for at least 24 hours. It’s normal to feel mild pain and soreness at each treatment site for several days. To reduce discomfort, apply an ice pack to the area for 15-20 minutes several times a day. 

What are the benefits of radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation offers various benefits compared to other more invasive treatments, including:

• Lasting pain relief
• Short recovery time
• Decreased need for pain medication
• Improved mobility and physical function

Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to schedule a radiofrequency appointment, or book your visit online.