Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation

The SOAR and Spine Orthopedics specialists offer cervical radiofrequency ablation as a tool to reduce chronic neck pain. Radiofrequency stops nerves from sending pain signals, and the expert teams in Santa Clara and Redwood City, California, offer this effective solution at their offices. Call today to schedule an appointment or book with the online reservation system.

What is cervical radiofrequency ablation?

If you have chronic neck pain, cervical radiofrequency ablation can help by preventing nerves from sending pain signals. Chronic neck pain, which has been diagnosed as coming from the cervical facet joints and has not been successfully treated with alternative methods, may be treated with a cervical radiofrequency ablation. It is important that exercise based physical therapy, posture training and antiinflammatory medications and injections are presented as treatment options first. 

Is cervical radiofrequency ablation reversible?

Cervical radiofrequency ablation causes a gap in the nerve branch that will require 6-12 months to regenerate. During this time, the patient will experience pain relief. When the nerve fibers regrow, the pain may return. If so, the procedure can be safely and effectively repeated.

It’s important to discuss all available treatments before considering RFA. The SOAR Spine and Orthopedic specialists will discuss all your choices and help determine if RFA suits you.

What conditions does cervical radiofrequency ablation treat?

Radiofrequency ablation treats pain emanating from the cervical facet joints. It can help manage chronic neck pain caused by several conditions, including: 

• Cancer
• Spinal and Joint Arthritis
• Tumors
• Heart rhythm problems
• Rare nerve disorders, like trigeminal neuralgia 

Doctors could also choose RFA for a condition that triggers chronic neck pain when all other treatments have been exhausted.

Is cervical radiofrequency ablation a length procedure?

The time of a cervical radiofrequency ablation procedure varies depending on the size of the treatment area. Appointments can be as short as 15 minutes or take up to two hours. 

Treating several areas also increases the length of an RFA procedure. Since RFA targets and destroys nerve cells, a highly specialized team must take their time to ensure accuracy.

What can I expect during a cervical radiofrequency ablation procedure?

The physician will first instruct you to lie face down on the treatment table. This unique table comes equipped with X-ray technology, to ensure pinpoint accuracy of the ablation process. Next, the expert applies local anesthesia to numb the area and maximize comfort. Radio waves are then transmitted through the needle to heat the targeted area. This destroys the nerve and reduces pain.

Call to schedule your RFA appointment with SOAR Spine and Orthopedics in Santa Clara and Redwood City, California, or book through the online portal.