Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA)

Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA) services offered in South Miami, FL

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a nonsurgical path for back and neck pain relief. This type of therapy relies on radio waves producing heat energy to prevent nerve signals from registering as pain symptoms. Triple-board-certified neurologist Awss Zidan, MD, provides RFA treatment from his practice at Miami Headache & Pain Clinic in Miami, Florida. Schedule your appointment online, or call now to book.

What does radiofrequency ablation do?

RFA uses heat energy for effective pain management. Radio waves pass from an electrode through a precisely placed hollow needle during treatment. The energy then heats and destroys a specific area of nerve tissue.

Dr. Zidan uses RFA to selectively damage the nerve or nerves associated with your pain symptoms. After RFA treatment, pain signals can no longer be transmitted to your brain from the targeted nerve or nerves. The treatment does not harm or damage other nerves in your body.

Continuous X-ray imaging, known as fluoroscopy, ensures that treatment is accurately targeted. Your RFA treatment session can take from 15 minutes to two hours to complete.

What can radiofrequency ablation treat?

Long-term or chronic pain conditions in the neck and lower back respond well to RFA treatment. RFA also works effectively to reduce pain in arthritic joints.

Dr. Zidan recommends RFA for conditions including:

Neck pain
Back pain
Arthritis of the spine (spondylosis)
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
Facial pain related to trigeminal neuralgia (TN)

This procedure typically works well as a treatment for spinal pain, especially the upper (cervical) spine and the lumbar spine in your lower back. Before starting RFA, Dr. Zidan may use a diagnostic nerve block to confirm the exact location of the nerves involved in your pain.

What are the benefits of radiofrequency ablation treatment?

RFA therapy aims to end or reduce pain and improve physical function. This type of treatment may help prevent or postpone the need for surgery and provide pain relief support to reduce your dependence on pain medications.

Most patients tolerate RFA treatment well. Some individuals notice a mild burning sensation at the treatment site. A local anesthetic numbs the treatment area before Dr. Zidan inserts the RFA needle. He can also provide medications to calm you during the procedure if desired.

Your risk of complications with RFA is very low. Your pain can worsen after treatment, but most patients experience pain relief lasting from 6-12 months. It may take 10 days to three weeks for your full pain relief results to appear after a treatment session. RFA treatment can be repeated if your pain returns.

For more information on radiofrequency ablation and how this procedure could relieve your pain, contact Dr. Zidan at Miami Headache & Pain Clinic. You can schedule your consultation appointment online or over the phone.