Developed by Dr.C.Norman Shealy, a neurosurgeon and pain specialist, radiofrequency denervation is a medical treatment used to help relieve long-lasting pain, especially in the back or joints such as the hip, knee or shoulder. Radiofrequency denervation was first used in the 1970s and has become more advanced and precise over the years. Today, it’s a common pain treatment option for people dealing with chronic joint or back pain, offering relief when other treatments like medication or physical therapy haven’t been effective.
In this news article, we’ll take a close look at the technology behind radiofrequency denervation treatment. We’ll also explore the conditions it can treat, what happens during the procedure and the results it can provide.
The use cases for Radiofrequency Denervation Technology
Radiofrequency denervation is often used to help patients who have ongoing pain in their back or joints. It’s commonly used for pain caused by wear and tear in the small joints of the spine, hips, knees or shoulders. As this treatment focuses only on the nerves that send pain signals, it can provide longer-lasting relief without the need for strong painkillers or major surgery.
According to The National Library of Medicine ‘RF denervation of lumbar facet joints has a success rate of 43–87% after 1 year’.
What conditions can be treated with Radiofrequency Denervation Technology?
Radiofrequency denervation can be used to treat a range of different conditions, particularly those related to joints and the spine. Conditions best-suited for the treatment include:
- Facet joint pain (neck and back)
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Shoulder pain
- Chronic Nerve pain
- Post-surgical pain
Are you suffering from chronic back or joint pain? Book a consultation with Dr Dashfield today.
The science behind Radiofrequency Denervation Technology – how does it work?
Radiofrequency denervation works by using heat generated from radio waves to gently disable specific nerves that carry pain signals to the brain. During the procedure, a thin needle is carefully placed near the targeted nerve, often guided by imaging techniques to ensure accurate placement. When the radiofrequency energy passes through the needle, it produces controlled heat that interrupts the nerve’s ability to send pain messages without damaging surrounding tissues. This interruption can provide significant pain relief, often lasting for several months. This makes it an effective option for managing chronic pain in joints and the spine.
When was Radiofrequency Denervation Technology introduced?
Radiofrequency denervation was first used in the early 1970s. Dr. C.Norman Shealy developed this treatment to help ease long-lasting pain, using radio waves to target the nerves causing the discomfort. Since then, the technology for radiofrequency denervation has improved and is now commonly used to help with pain in the back, neck and joints.
What happens during a Radiofrequency Denervation Technology treatment?
Below is an overview of what to expect during a radiofrequency denervation treatment:
- The doctor will ask you to lie down whilst they treat, clean and numb the affected area with a local anaesthetic.
- Your doctor will use imaging tools like X-rays or ultrasound to guide a thin needle to the nerve causing the pain.
- Once the needle is in place, a small amount of radiofrequency energy is passed through it to generate heat.
- The heat gently “turns off” or disrupts the nerves’ ability to send pain signals.
Find out more about radiofrequency denervation by watching this insightful YouTube video by The London Pain Clinic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN2yWqUOupU
The benefits of Radiofrequency Denervation treatment
Radiofrequency denervation offers multiple benefits for those suffering from back or joint pain, including:
- Targeted Pain Relief
Radiofrequency denervation precisely targets the specific nerve causing pain. Guided by imaging, a needle delivers heat to disable only that nerve, stopping pain signals without affecting nearby tissues. This focused approach provides effective relief exactly where it’s needed, with fewer side effects.
2. Minimally Invasive
Radiofrequency denervation uses a small needle instead of surgery. This means less pain, lower risk of infection and quicker recovery. Most patients can go home the same day and get back to their normal activities soon after treatment.
3. Long-Lasting Relief
This innovative treatment provides pain relief for several months, which is much longer than many medications or injections. It works by temporarily stopping the nerve from sending pain signals, helping patients reduce medication use and improve their quality of life. The treatment can be repeated if required. Speak to Dr Dashfield to find out how many sessions are required.
4. Reduced Need for Medications
It can reduce the need for pain medications, especially when considering strong drugs such as opioids. This lowers the risk of side effects and dependency, helping patients manage pain in a safe and harm-free way.
5. Safe and Controlled
The procedure uses carefully controlled heat and imaging guidance to solely target the pain-causing nerve, protecting nearby tissues. This precision makes it a safe treatment with a low risk of complications. Damage to other tissues during a procedure is far less likely with radiofrequency denervation technology.
Advice for patients considering radiofrequency denervation for pain relief
- As a first step, book a consultation and speak to a healthcare professional. They will be able to assess your back or joint pain and see if the treatment is right for you. Contact Manx Pain Clinic today for a personalised consultation.
- Make sure to talk openly with your doctor about your pain history, previous treatments and what you hope to achieve with radiofrequency denervation.
- It’s important to gain a good understanding of the procedure and what it involves, what to expect during and after treatment and any potential side effects to be aware of. You can find out more information about the treatment on the Bupa Health website.
- Carefully follow any preparation guidelines before the procedure and aftercare advice by your doctor. This will ensure the most effective results and will minimise any side effects of the treatment.
How much does Radiofrequency Denervation treatment cost?
The cost of radiofrequency denervation will depend on the area that needs to be treated, the clinic you choose and the amount of treatment sessions you require. Prices start from £950 per injection at Manx Pain Clinic. Book a consultation with Dr Dashfield to see how he can help.
Are you suffering from chronic back or joint pain? Get in touch with Manx Pain Clinic today and take the first steps to a pain-free life.