Radiofrequency Treatments in Scottsdale, AZ
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Contact UsWhat is Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation?
Radiofrequency (RF) thermocoagulation is a safe, proven means of interrupting pain signals. Radiofrequency current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals from that particular area. Radiofrequency techniques have been available for treating various pain disorders since the early 1970s. Since the 1980s physicians specializing in chronic pain diagnosis and treatment have found an increasing number of applications for this established technology.
Some more common medical conditions which respond to radiofrequency techniques include chronic low back pain, thoracic spine pain, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Traditional techniques to destroy painful nerves have used chemicals such as phenol or alcohol. Unfortunately, these techniques have significant side effects due to the limited ability to control the spread of these liquids. Radiofrequency needles, accurately placed with the aid of fluoroscopic X-ray machines, generate local heat at the tip when the electrical current is applied, which can be precisely controlled to thermocoagulation painful nerves with minimal tissue damage. The procedures can be performed with little trauma using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
What Are The Benefits Of Radiofrequency Treatments?
Radiofrequency treatments for pain in Scottsdale, AZ at Southwest Spine & Sports offer a number of great benefits to improve quality of life, including:
- Reduces a wide variety of pain and discomfort
- Improves overall function
- No surgery or medications
- Little to no risk of side effects
- Quick and easy outpatient procedure
- Recovery time is short
What Should I Expect Following Radiofrequency Treatments?
After your radiofrequency thermocoagulation procedure is complete, you will be held under supervision as the local anesthesia and sedation wear off and to check for any adverse reactions. Someone will need to drive you home from the Southwest Spine and Sports facility, and you will likely be asked to rest and avoid any strenuous activities for at least a day or two. You may still feel some discomfort at the treatment site(s) for a few days as the nerves die off. Full pain relief could take a couple of weeks to notice.
What if the pain relief doesn't last?
Radiofrequency treatment of tissue usually blocks pain signals for a prolonged period of time. However, the human body may regenerate pain pathways over time. It is not unusual that the procedure may need to be repeated at some point in the future.
Am I a Candidate for Radiofrequency Treatments?
The best candidates for radiofrequency pain treatments at Southwest Spine and Sports are those who have chronic back or spine pain that has thus far been largely resistant to other forms of pain management. By using radiofrequency thermocoagulation, our Scottsdale, AZ team can treat the pathways that cause pain without invasive and risky surgery. This procedure may also be a great option for those who wish to improve function and activity levels as well as those who would like to stop using over-the-counter or prescription pain pills.
What are the risks of radiofrequency thermocoagulation?
As with any procedure, there are some inherent risks, although most of these are minimal. Common risks include but are not limited to bruising, bleeding, headaches, irritation of a nerve or nerve injury, including paralysis, numbness, and weakness. Risks also include infection or reactions to the medications which may cause breathing difficulties and cardiac difficulties which may lead to death. Serious risks and complications are extremely rare, however.
Radiofrequency Treatments FAQs
What should I not do after radiofrequency treatments?
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Related Conditions
Pre-Procedure Instructions
- Stop taking all aspirin, aspirin products, and all nonsteroidal - except Celebrex- 5 days before the procedure.
- If you have questions regarding these types of products or their discontinuation, you should discuss this with one of our staff
- If you take fish oil or Vitamin E supplementation, please stop these 5 days before the injection.
- Do not eat for 6 hours or drink 2 hours before the procedure. You may take routine a.m. medications with a small amount of water
- For your safety, you must have a responsible adult to drive you home. Failure to have a driver may result in the cancellation of your procedure. Taxis are not permitted.
How Radiofrequency Treatments can help you
Radiofrequency treatments are used to reduce pain. The nerve which is responsible for the pain signals is heated up by radio waves, which in turn decreases pain signals from that specific area.
Learn More About Southwest Spine & Sports
About UsSouthwest Spine & Sports Reviews
SW Sports and Spine is a great practice. The staff are friendly, caring, and competent. Dr. Wolff asks questions and listens to your answers. He is able to find the source of your pain, explain what he can do to alleviate it, and then stop the pain. He also looks for other related problems and refers you to another specialist if needed. The surgical center that he does procedures in is also a five star facility. Dr Wolff has improved my life, and my wife's life, tremendously.
Best place! Sheila and staff were friendly & busy. Took time! Very professional. My procedure was a piece of cake and no pain! Great advice from all on the protocol that I’m am involved in. Thanks to all!
Dr Wolff really took the time to listen to why I was there and did an ultrasound at my first visit to see what was causing all of my pain. I left with a game plan to alleviate my pain.
Dr Wolff really took the time to listen to why I was there and did an ultrasound at my first visit to see what was causing all of my pain. I left with a game plan to alleviate my pain.
SW Spine & Sports is on top of their game. Dr Wolf was fast, efficient, thorough, and pleasant. Hard to ask much more!
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