A Modern Solution for Long-Lasting Pain Relief
For patients living with chronic back, neck, or joint pain, daily medication and temporary injections often provide only short-term relief. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a longer-lasting solution by directly targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.
At Pauranik Healthcare Centre in Indore, Dr. Ritu Pauranik performs RFA for a range of chronic pain conditions, helping patients reduce their reliance on long-term pain medication and regain function in their daily lives.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency Ablation is a procedure that uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to disrupt the function of specific sensory nerves that carry pain signals from a joint or structure to the brain. By precisely targeting these nerves, RFA can interrupt the pain pathway for an extended period — often six months to a year or longer — while leaving motor function and surrounding structures unaffected.
Importantly, RFA does not treat the underlying joint or disc condition itself; rather, it interrupts the pain signal travelling from that structure, providing significant symptom relief.
How Does RFA Work?
The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise needle placement. The general process involves:
- Diagnostic block first — before RFA, a diagnostic nerve block is typically performed to confirm that the targeted nerve is indeed responsible for the patient’s pain
- Needle placement — a thin needle (cannula) is guided to the precise location of the target nerve using fluoroscopy
- Sensory and motor testing — mild electrical stimulation may be used to confirm correct needle position
- Radiofrequency energy application — controlled heat is generated at the needle tip, creating a small lesion that disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals
- Procedure completion — the needle is removed and the patient is monitored briefly before discharge
Conditions Treated With RFA
RFA is commonly used for chronic pain arising from:
- Facet joint pain in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine
- Chronic low back pain related to the facet joints
- Chronic neck pain from cervical facet joint arthritis
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Knee osteoarthritis pain (using Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation, a specialized form of RFA)
Dr. Pauranik evaluates each patient individually to determine whether RFA is an appropriate option based on their specific diagnosis and response to prior diagnostic blocks.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
- Long-lasting relief — effects often last six months to over a year, significantly longer than standard injections
- Minimally invasive — performed through a small needle, without any incisions
- Outpatient procedure — typically completed within an hour, with same-day discharge
- Reduced medication dependence — many patients are able to reduce or stop long-term pain medications after RFA
- Improved function — reduced pain often allows patients to participate more fully in physiotherapy and daily activities
- Repeatable — if pain returns after the nerve regenerates, the procedure can often be repeated
What to Expect During Recovery
Most patients can return home the same day and resume light activities within 24 to 48 hours. Some soreness or bruising at the needle site is common and typically resolves within a few days. It’s important to note that pain relief from RFA is not always immediate — some patients notice improvement within days, while for others, full benefit may take two to three weeks to develop as inflammation around the treated nerve subsides.
Dr. Pauranik provides detailed aftercare instructions tailored to each patient, including guidance on activity levels and follow-up physiotherapy.
Is RFA Safe?
RFA has a well-established safety record when performed by an experienced specialist using image guidance. As with any procedure, there are some risks — including temporary soreness, numbness, or, in rare cases, a temporary increase in pain before improvement. Dr. Pauranik discusses the specific risks and benefits relevant to each patient’s condition during the consultation, ensuring patients have realistic expectations about outcomes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for RFA?
RFA may be a suitable option if you:
- Have chronic back, neck, or joint pain that has not responded adequately to medications or physiotherapy
- Have had a positive response to a diagnostic nerve block, confirming the source of your pain
- Are looking for an alternative to long-term oral pain medication
- Want to avoid or delay more invasive surgical options
A thorough evaluation by Dr. Pauranik will determine whether RFA is the right choice for your specific condition.
Experience Long-Term Pain Relief in Indore
If chronic back, neck, or knee pain is limiting your daily life, Radiofrequency Ablation may offer the long-term relief you’ve been searching for. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ritu Pauranik at Pauranik Healthcare Centre, Indore, to find out if RFA is right for you.
???? Call us at +91 70679 18785 / +91 95756 46975
✉️ Email: dr.rituaga@gmail.com
???? Visit us at: 4, Ahilyapuri, Near Residency Club, Zoo Road, Residency Area, Indore, MP – 452001
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