What Are Some Radiofrequency Ablation Side Effects?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common chronic back or neck pain treatment. However, like any treatment, it’s important to understand both its benefits and potential risks before proceeding.
While RFA can be highly effective, it may come with side effects. This article explores those side effects, answers common questions, provides tips to reduce risks, and explains when to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
For answers about radiofrequency ablation or to find out if radiofrequency ablation may help you, call us today at (480) 573-0130 or contact us online.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat chronic pain. After testing (usually a medial nerve branch block) identifies the nerves transmitting pain signals, a needle is inserted into the identified area. A local anesthetic is injected, and the needle is heated with thermal energy to a temperature that blocks the nerve's ability to send pain signals.
Why Choose Radiofrequency Ablation?
Not all treatments affect pain. If treatment isn’t effective, other methods may be worth exploring. Additionally, radiofrequency ablation might be suggested as an alternative to stop nerve pain for back pain.
Other conditions radiofrequency ablation may be used to treat include:
- Facet joint pain
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Pain related to cancer
- Arthritis in the spine
- Trigeminal neuralgia (a type of facial pain)
- Complex regional pain syndrome
What Are the Side Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation?
Although radiofrequency ablation is typically considered a safe and effective treatment, there are some side effects to be aware of. Common radiofrequency ablation complaints include increased pain or a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling at the injection site. Some people describe this as feeling like a “sunburn.” This is temporary and usually improves after 1–2 weeks.
Other possible side effects include: 1
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Burns to the surrounding tissue
- Allergic reactions to the medication used in the procedure
These side effects are usually rare.
How to Avoid Radiofrequency Ablation Side Effects
It is also important to follow any instructions a healthcare provider gives before the procedure to reduce the risk of side effects from spinal nerve ablation. Those taking blood thinners like Warfarin or Plavix may be asked to stop them temporarily to reduce the risk of bleeding.
After the radiofrequency ablation procedure, care instructions may include resting for 24–48 hours before resuming normal activity, keeping the injection site clean, and limiting heavy lifting or strenuous activity until healing at the site is complete.
Over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs may be recommended to reduce discomfort. Following these directions can help reduce the risk of increased pain, infection, bleeding, and other problems.
When to Call the Doctor for Side Effects
If severe pain occurs that can’t be controlled with over-the-counter pain medicine or fever, bleeding, swelling, redness, or discharge at the site develops after radiofrequency ablation, it’s important to notify a healthcare provider immediately.
Ablation for back or neck pain may take some time to relieve full pain, but patients should expect to see improvement in the weeks following the procedure.
Other Radiofrequency Ablation FAQs
Knowing that side effects are rare with radiofrequency ablation can help patients feel more confident about choosing the procedure for pain relief. Other common questions that may come up include:
How well does radiofrequency ablation work?
In some cases, the pain relief from radiofrequency ablation is immediate. However, it can often take as long as four to six weeks to be fully effective. This “therapeutic response” can last as long as 6–12 months, or sometimes even longer. 2 Repeated ablation may be recommended if the nerve regenerates after the procedure.
What are some treatment options other than radiofrequency ablation?
Other treatments that may be recommended for pain relief before radiofrequency ablation include:
- Pain medications
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet injections
- Sacroiliac joint injections
Treatment will depend on the source of pain and other individual factors and should be chosen under the advice of an experienced healthcare professional, like a certified pain specialist.
Choosing Radiofrequency Ablation
Choosing radiofrequency ablation for chronic neck or back pain relief becomes much simpler with the guidance of a qualified professional. At Advanced Spine and Pain, our board-certified specialists take the time to carefully review your medical history, test results, and past treatments. We’ll explain all your remaining options and help you decide on the best plan for lasting relief.
Get started today by contacting us online or calling (480) 573-0130.