If you're living with a spinal tumor that is causing you pain and decreasing your quality of life, you may want to consider radiofrequency ablation. This minimally invasive treatment option reduces pain and improves mobility so you can continue living with minimal discomfort.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to eliminate cancer cells. Doctors insert a flexible instrument into the spine to deliver high-frequency electrical currents to destroy the area around the nerve to cease its ability to send pain signals to the brain. RFA is considered a viable treatment for long-term, chronic pain.

What are the benefits of radiofrequency ablation?

RFA is a minimally invasive and typically outpatient procedure, so patients do not have to stay in the hospital. Doctors will prescribe conscious sedation to help patients relax and local anesthetic to numb the spinal area where they insert the instrument.

 

Since the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients require little to no recovery time. Some people experience soreness or muscle tightness in the days after the operation. Still, many patients can return to regular activities after a day or two of rest.

 

After the short recovery period, patients who undergo RFA for a spinal tumor can expect less back pain. With less pain, many individuals also notice improved mobility and less discomfort with daily tasks like walking and sitting. Also, with reduced pain, many people can cut back on pain medications or even stop them entirely, depending on their situation.

 

Overall, the best benefit for people who get RFA for a spinal tumor is an improved quality of life. Patients report feeling like they can participate in their lives again without chronic pain, which only adds to their happiness and well-being.

Are there risks for radiofrequency ablation?

Complications and risks associated with radiofrequency ablation are uncommon, but patients may experience bleeding, infection, or pain after the procedure.

Radiofrequency Ablation at Mocek Spine

Mocek Spine is excited to announce we will soon offer minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation of spine tumors for optimum relief of cancer-related pain. To learn more, you can make an appointment at our clinic or call us at 501.224.4001.