Radiofrequency Ablation

More than 20% of adults in the United States struggle with chronic pain. At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, board-certified pain management specialist Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, uses radiofrequency ablation to ease ongoing discomfort and enhance your quality of life without invasive surgery. Schedule an evaluation today by calling the South Bay office or requesting an appointment online.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment that uses radio waves to form a current that heats nerve tissues, destroying them to stop pain signals from reaching your brain. This treatment offers long-lasting relief from ongoing discomfort. It may help improve musculoskeletal functioning, delay or avoid surgery, and reduce the need for pain medicine.

Which conditions can radiofrequency ablation help treat?

Radiofrequency ablation can treat:

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Arthritic joint pain
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylosis
• Knee pain
• Cancer discomfort
• Nerve pain
• Facial pain

You may be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation if conservative treatments haven’t relieved your discomfort and you want to avoid invasive surgery.

Am I a candidate for radiofrequency ablation?

Dr. Arora determines if radiofrequency ablation is right for you by discussing your past treatments, symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. He completes physical and neurological exams and may order X-rays or other imaging procedures to establish the most effective treatment plan. 

If you experience pain relief after a nerve block injection, radiofrequency ablation may be a good match for you. You might need to stop taking certain medicines prior to your scheduled procedure. 

What should I expect during radiofrequency ablation? 

Before treatment begins, Dr. Arora numbs the area and offers a sedative to relax you. He inserts a needle into the affected area using X-ray guidance for optimal accuracy and precision. He completes a test that ensures the needle is in its proper position and emits radiofrequency energy through an electrode to heat and destroy a painful nerve (or nerves).

The treatment could last about 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the area and number of nerves treated.

What happens after radiofrequency ablation?

You can go home the same day as radiofrequency ablation, but have a family member or friend drive you. 

Temporary side effects can include tenderness, numbness, bruising, and swelling at the treatment area. Take it easy for a day or two, ice the area as instructed, and complete physical therapy if asked to. Pain relief may appear immediately or after several days or weeks, as individualized results vary from person to person. 

Reduced pain after radiofrequency ablation often lasts 6-12 months, sometimes longer. Follow up with Dr. Arora to ensure optimal, long-lasting results, and call Arora Pain Clinic at any time with questions. He can complete repeat radiofrequency ablation whenever needed.

Schedule an evaluation at Arora Pain Clinic by phone or online today to determine if you’re a candidate for radiofrequency ablation.