The application of radiofrequency energy refers to the use of an electromagnetic wave with a specific and predetermined frequency, which causes controlled heat generation.
There are two types of radiofrequency:
Traditional Radiofrequency: The temperature achieved reaches 80-90°C. When applied to a nerve, it causes its destruction, thereby interrupting the transmission of painful stimuli to the brain, and the patient stops perceiving the pain.
Pulsed Radiofrequency: The temperature achieved does not exceed 42°C, which does not destroy the nerve but instead has a neuromodulation effect. This means it interferes with and alters the nerve’s function, thereby reducing the transmission of painful stimuli to the brain and, consequently, the perception of pain.
Radiofrequency has been used in medicine for many years. Specifically, in chronic pain treatment, it is applied to treat pain in the back (lumbar or cervical), of degenerative or traumatic origin, or due to poor posture. It is also used in cases of pain from a herniated disc, trigeminal neuralgia, or even cancer pain in certain organs such as the pancreas, liver, or stomach.
The process begins with local anesthesia and disinfection at the application site.
Next, a needle is inserted at the desired location and advanced under fluoroscopic guidance so the physician can continuously monitor its path and final position. Once the needle reaches the desired spot, a very small electrode connected to the radiofrequency generator is inserted through the needle. A small amount of local anesthetic is administered once more, and then the area is heated via radiofrequency for a few minutes.
Is the radiofrequency procedure painful?
The procedure is not painful for the patient since local anesthesia is applied beforehand.
Does it require repeat treatments?
If satisfactory results are observed, the treatment can be repeated several times.
What it offers:
The new non-invasive method called Cool RF, using ultrasound fights lower back pain and improves mobility in a short period.
Low back pain, which often radiates to the glutes or is accompanied by sciatica, is a very common health issue for the general population. Studies show that 65-80% of people will experience at least one episode of low back pain in their lifetime.
There are cases in which patients do not respond adequately to conservative treatments. When the pain is due to degenerative changes in the spinal joints, a highly effective method is transdermal neurolysis using radiofrequency.
Several modern studies support a reduction or complete elimination of low back pain after thermal neurolysis using Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of the small sensory nerves near the spinal joints. This is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at destroying nerve cells using an electric field on tissue, resulting in pain relief for the patient.
This is a special neurolysis technique using radiofrequency that has been used to treat low back pain. The electrode creating the continuous electric field maintains a low temperature. This ensures a larger treatment area, increasing accuracy and reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
In Cool RF, while the nerve tissue is heated, water circulates through the device, creating a larger treatment area than traditional radiofrequency neurolysis. At the same time, the energy provided by the radiofrequency targets the nerves causing pain, preventing excessive temperature increase and damage to neighboring tissues.
Advantages:
This therapeutic method offers quick application, is non-invasive, and does not require general anesthesia. Recovery time is short, there is a clear reduction or resolution of pain, improved mobility, and a reduced need for analgesic medications. Many patients report symptom improvement as early as one week after the procedure.
