Radiofrequency ablation treatment is a procedure in the lumbar region of the back where a needle uses radiofrequency waves to heat the tip of a needle. The heated tip of the needle is applied to the nerve in the lower back to prevent the nerves from sending the pain signals up the spinal column and into the brain. Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation can be done by a qualified and experienced RFA specialist right here in NYC (Manhattan). Knowing the proper course of action and having your expectations set properly is key to a healthy and natural recovery. Here we will briefly discuss the recovery timelines after Radiofrequency Ablation at Downtown Pain Physicians.
After the RFA Treatment
The RFA treatment, although it is a non-surgical procedure, requires the use of anesthesia which will allow your RFA doctors to perform the procedure without any pain felt by the patient. As is typical after waking up from anesthesia the patient can expect to feel drowsiness and should take precautions with standing or walking. This can persist for up to 7 hours post-procedure and the patients are kept in a recovery area to monitor their health. It is advisable to have a family member be there to assist you and drive you home the same day, Typically, the day after the treatment most patients are able to ease back into their normal activities but anything higher intensity should be postponed a couple of days.
Pain Expectations
There might be lingering pain for the first 1-2 weeks post-procedure, but most patients show a significant decrease in lumbar back pain. This is a minor pain that feels like a warm tender spot at the treated area. A full recovery can take about 3 weeks but normal activity can resume within that time if no pain is felt. Depending on your specific condition our RFA specialists might recommend using over the counter pain medicine, or apply ice and cold packs as needed, it is not expected to experience pain in the future after the treatment, but in rare cases, a second or third lumbar radiofrequency ablation might be needed.
Downtown Pain Physicians has the most experienced lumbar radiofrequency ablation doctors in NYC. With an office in downtown Manhattan and easily accessible from Brooklyn. Schedule your consultation today!
Downtown Pain Physicians 80 Maiden Ln #905A New York, NY 10038 (212) 404-8070 https://www.downtownpainphysicians.com/
