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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Fails

Steps to Take When Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Fails

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a popular minimally invasive procedure used to alleviate chronic pain, particularly in the nerves, joints, and spine. It works by using heat generated from radiofrequency waves that disrupt and alter the nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain signals. Most patients experience positive results from this treatment, but sometimes Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) does not always deliver the intended outcomes. If RFA does not work for you, don’t worry, as there are alternatives.

At Capital Interventional Pain & Spine Center, we make it our responsibility to help patients overcome and manage chronic pain. If you are looking for solutions for a failed RFA treatment, our experienced experts can guide you with a slew of personalized treatment options. In this blog, you will find a simplified guide on what you should do next in the event your RFA treatment does not garner the desired results.

Why RFA May Not Work

Before discussing alternative treatment options, it is equally important to understand why RFA treatment might not have provided relief. To start with, one of the most common reasons is misdiagnosis. It could be that the pain source wasn’t identified correctly. Therefore, the nerves targeted by RFA treatment might not be correct. Secondly, there is a chance that the nerves treated by RFA might regenerate over time, restoring pain signals.
Another reason might be that the procedure is not administered properly. If the electrode placement is incorrect, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) will not have the same effectiveness. If the pain is caused due to multiple factors, RFA alone might not be the best solution to treat it in the first place.

What is the Next Step if Ablation Does Not Work?

So, if Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) does not work, the first thing to do is to revisit your diagnosis. It is important to understand that pain can originate from different sources, and identifying all of these sources is crucial to treating the issue. Diagnostic imaging tools such as MRI and CT are very good at pinpointing the source of the pain. At Capital Interventional Pain & Spine Center, we ensure that our experts will uncover the root cause of your pain and create an effective treatment plan tailor-made for the patient. You can then try the following alternatives.

Repeat Radiofrequency Ablation

If you had radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and feel that the treatment might not have been as successful as you think, you need to do this. Simply put, you can try the treatment again. The first RFA session might not have been completed or may have provided temporary relief, so repeating the procedure might be a good option. Advances in techniques at our pain & spine center in Maryland improve the success rate of RFA procedures.

Alternative Interventional Treatments

If you don’t want to give Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) another try, there are other treatment options that you can try. Some of these are as follows:
  • Epidural Steroid Injections

The first treatment option you can try is epidural steroid injections. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory steroids directed to the area that is causing pain. Consequently, it helps in reducing pain and swelling. This option is particularly useful when you are suffering from spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. With these techniques, patients can get immediate relief from that pain.

  • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Another treatment option that you can use when Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) fails is to go for Spinal Cord Stimulation. This treatment involves implanting a small device that sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals. This treatment is very effective for patients suffering from refractory pain.

  • Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
The following treatment option you can go for is PNS or Peripheral Nerve Stimulation. PNS targets specific peripheral nerves using mild electrical impulses. It is a minimally invasive technique that is very effective for localized pain.
  • Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is a popular approach for chronic pain management, especially when interventional procedures such as RFA fail. An expert therapist can design a program to improve flexibility, enhance posture, and strengthen muscles. At Capital Interventional Pain & Spine Center, we often combine physical therapy with other approaches to get the best results.
  • Surgical Options
When all other non-invasive techniques fail, surgical intervention might become necessary. Some common surgical options are as follows: First and foremost, spinal fusion stabilizes painful spinal joints. Other surgical options may be decompression surgery and facet joint surgery.
  • MLS Laser Therapy

MLS (Multiwave Locked System) Laser therapy employs specific wavelengths of light to perforate deep into tissues. promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain. This non-invasive treatment can be very effective in managing chronic pain, especially in soft tissue and joint conditions.

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s platelets into the affected area to stimulate healing and tissue repair. This method is particularly effective for musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative conditions, such as arthritis.

Holistic Approaches to Pain Management

Including holistic methods in your medical treatments alongside other treatments might be a good way to improve your pain management strategy. One such technique to include in your plan is MBSR or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, which includes things like meditation and yoga, which can reduce pain perception. The other is acupuncture, which stimulates specific areas in the body to alleviate the pain. Chiropractic care can also be helpful to align the spine and reduce pressure.

Partner with a Trusted Pain Management Center

It is essential to contact a trusted pain management center near you in Rockville. Dealing with chronic pain requires expert guidance, and at Capital Interventional Pain & Spine Center, we provide personalized care. We combine the latest treatments and techniques to provide the best care possible.

So, to sum it all up, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is pretty good at relieving the patient’s pain, but sometimes it might not be enough. It is important to know that using a non-invasive approach first is best, so Radiofrequency Ablation is a good option for most people. However, before deciding which approach you need, talking to a proper expert is the best way forward. If the expert thinks you need a non-invasive approach to solve your problem, then you don’t need to go for anything else.

References

Home | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

The information provided in these blog posts is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions or implementing any suggestions mentioned in the blogs.