Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation

An effective non-surgical treatment for those experiencing chronic neck pain. This is a needle based procedure that uses a local anesthetic that numbs the skin and all the tissue down to the nerves. It requires no incision. The physician slides a needle through the skin, and contrast solution is injected so the physician can use fluoroscopic guidance to visualize the affected areas and assure correct placement of the needle. Next, dual insulated needles with tiny electrodes are placed on the affected spinal nerve. A radiofrequency current is applied to the nerve for 60 to 90 seconds. The radiofrequency waves create heat and consequently numb the nerve. The patient will not feel the electrical impulse or sensation. Lumbar radiofrequency ablation is performed as an outpatient procedure using a non-surgical approach at Regency Healthcare’s state of the art surgical facility. Patients will not need to stay overnight and will be able to leave the surgical facility the same day.