Radiofrequency ablation is 70-80% effective in people who have successful nerve blocks. The procedure can be repeated if needed.
Most people have some pain relief after radiofrequency ablation, but the amount varies by cause of pain and location. Pain relief can be immediate in some people, occur within 10 days in other people or may take up to three weeks in others. Pain relief can last from 12 months to 24 months.
It’s not uncommon to feel some discomfort, superficial burning pain, or hypersensitivity in the area of the procedure. Some patients describe the feeling as similar to a sunburn. On average, this pain lasts no longer than 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.
In fact, it’s normal for some people to experience a tiny bit of increased pain in the first few days after radiofrequency ablation because the nerves may be irritated. Don’t worry, pain will decrease with time, and it may take several days before you start feeling some pain relief.
Patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation may experience several side effects, including: A superficial burning sensation over the treated area, similar to sunburn. Light skin numbness in the same area. Mild headaches or dizziness. Soreness at the injection site.
A nerve block involves injecting an anesthetic near a specific nerve to temporarily relieve pain and can be used diagnostically to find the pain source. Nerve ablation, such as radiofrequency ablation, uses heat to destroy nerve tissue for longer-lasting pain relief, often following a diagnostic nerve block.
For many people, pain relief will start to kick in around 10 days after having the procedure. However, for some people, it can take up to two or three weeks after the procedure for noticeable relief to begin.
Steroids are given during an RFA procedure to reduce the amount of inflammation present at the site of the procedure. Inflammation has been observed in nerves at the site of RFA with the levels of many pro-inflammatory cytokines being elevated in and around these nerves.
For radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or endovenous laser ablation (Laser), exercise is okay as soon as it feels okay to you, usually a couple of days after. Try to postpone intense physical activity such as weight lifting or cycling for a couple of days.
Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure. You may resume your normal diet. Do not engage in any strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Do not take a bath for one to two days after the procedure; you may shower.
