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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)/Rhizotomy An Effective Treatment for Chronic/Acute Neck and Back Pain The neck and back are two of the most common areas that physicians treat for chronic/acute pain. At Relievus , Dr. Pryzbylkowski uses Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) as an effective treatment for those patients suffering with these symptoms. Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure where the nerve will be numbed and radiofrequency will create a lesion so that this nerve can no longer transmit pain signals to the brain. Radiofrequency Ablation is a procedure used to mainly reduce axial pain. Axial pain is confined to a specific area such as the neck or lower back. This procedure is essentially used to treat patients with chronic long lasting pain in the neck and lower back. In order to be a candidate for the Radiofrequency Ablation you must undergo a Diagnostic and Comparative Medial branch block injections which helps to discern the source of pain or reduce inflammation and pain. A medial branch block is an injection of local anesthetic. If a patient pain relief is greater than 50% after the Diagnostic and Comparative medial branch block, then a Radiofrequency Ablation can be performed.
Radiofrequency Ablation gives longer-term pain relief.
Many types of chronic/acute pain respond well to RFA including, but not limited to: • Injuries such as whiplash • Neuropathic pain conditions like: • Complex regional pain syndrome • Peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes • Prior spine surgeries • Spinal arthritis (spondylosis)
anatomy. After the anesthesia is used specialized insulated needles are placed next to the nerve at the region of the facet joint. A small radiofrequency current is directed to the medial branch nerve of the joint capsule for 60 to 90 seconds. The radiofrequency waves produce heat and create a lesion in the nerve tissue that is sending the pain signals to the brain. This procedure is done with sterile technique to minimize the risk of infection. During the immediate days following the Radiofrequency Ablation, you may experience some soreness in the area of your treatment (which can be relieved with ice pack), which is normal. However, it is caused by muscle and nerve irritation. This Healing process usually takes up to one week. However, you may be able to resume everyday activities one to two days’ after your procedure. One of the best features about RFA is that a patient can experience relief for up to six to nine months and it can be repeated in the future when needed. RFA/ Rhizotomy, allows a patient to feel improvement, able to continue with their daily activities, enhance the ability to straighten the back, bend and/or move more frequently without feeling any discomfort. Many of Dr. Pryzbylkowski’s patients have improved range of motion in the particular region being treated and no longer wake up with severe stiffness and or pain. When combined with a moderate exercise regimen, it can last even longer. It is extremely important to build up strength and fitness gradually. This is a life-changing procedure for many people. Many of her patients were told they had to live with the pain because there was nothing that could be performed on them. Many of the patients felt like they were trapped or a burden to their family or friends not having someone to help them with their pain. Patient status post RFA/Rhizotomy, 70 percent of patients experienced pain free which has been proven to be a cure and safe way to proceed with this treat for specific pain. It is rewarding to watch, how patients are able to improve their quality of life after being treated with RFA. The patients no longer feel isolated because of their limitations.
Dr. Pryzbylkowski states, “The RFA procedure is effective and extremely safe. RFA/Rhizotomy is one of the most common methods for treating back and neck pain.” During the procedure, the patient is placed in a prone position and a fluoroscopic x-ray machine is utilized to visualize the spinal column and spine
For more information, call 888-985-2727 (ASAP) or visit www.relievus.com. Peter G. Pryzbylkowski, MD
Central Park East, • 222 New Road, Suite 102 • Linwood, NJ 08221 www.TheCountyWoman.com The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com The County Woman Magazine
Anesthesiologist Interventional Pain Specialist • Board Certified Interventional Pain Specialist • Interventional Pain Management Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania • National Board Certification, American Board of Anesthesiology • Anesthesia Residency: University of Pennsylvania • Medical Internship: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia • Former Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Pennsylvania • Medical Degree, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
March/April 2017 March/April 2019