Can Radiofrequency Ablation Be the Answer to Chronic Low Back Pain?

Chronic low back pain is a condition that plagues many individuals, with treatments often failing to provide long-lasting relief. However, recent advancements and procedures might offer a solution for many. At the forefront of these advancements is the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) technique.

Physicians at the UT Southwestern Spine Center in Dallas have started offering a minimally invasive ablation procedure targeting pain from injuries or degenerative conditions of the vertebral endplates. Spearheaded by G. Sunny Sharma, M.D., this approach might change the landscape of back pain treatments.

RFA, in essence, employs radio waves, generating an electric current that heats a tiny nerve tissue area. This process effectively diminishes or even blocks pain signals emanating from that specific area. The relief post-RFA generally lasts anywhere between 6 to 9 months, although some patients might experience relief for a shorter span of about 3 months.

Delving further into the technique, RFA is a minimally invasive method that uses radiofrequency energy to obstruct spinal nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain. Occasionally, it’s also referred to as rhizotomy or neurotomy, especially when addressing neck, back, or spine pain. The procedure zeroes in on facet joints or the sacroiliac joint, aiming to offer long-term relief.

An exciting variant of this procedure is the Intracept, also known as basivertebral nerve ablation. Designed for patients who have continually suffered from chronic low back pain without finding solace in conservative treatments, this outpatient procedure specifically targets nerves present in the vertebrae or spine bones. UC San Diego Health is among the pioneering health institutions offering Intracept, marking a breakthrough for patients desperate for relief.

For those whose pain remains unyielding, nerve ablations may offer some respite. Available treatments encompass high-temperature or pulsed radio-frequency nerve ablations and the aforementioned basivertebral nerve ablation. Moreover, for individuals grappling with severe pain, they might be eligible for implantable therapies, a detailed exploration of which can be found here.

The journey to pain relief is often long and arduous. However, with innovations like RFA and Intracept, a pain-free future is within reach for many.