Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment for Chronic Neck Pain
Chronic neck pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor posture, arthritis, or injury. If you’re suffering from chronic neck pain, you’re likely familiar with the many treatment options available, from medications and physical therapy to steroid injections and surgery. Yet there is another option to consider for chronic neck pain that is nonsurgical and does not include steroid. Its called the cervical medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation.
What is Cervical Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation?
Cervical medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide long-term relief for chronic neck pain. The procedure involves using heat to destroy the medial branch nerves in the neck, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
During the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to the skin, and a small needle is inserted near the medial branch nerve. A radiofrequency current is then used to heat the needle, which destroys the nerve. This prevents the nerve from transmitting pain signals to the brain, resulting in pain relief.
What are the Benefits of Cervical Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation?
Cervical medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic neck pain. It has several benefits, including:
- Long-lasting pain relief: The procedure provides long-term pain relief, which can last up to 12 months or more.
- Minimally invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive, which means there is minimal to no scarring, and it requires little recovery time.
- Non-surgical: Unlike surgery, there is no need for general anesthesia, and the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis.
- No steroid included: Too much steroids can result in potential health risks such as muscle atrophy, bone density loss, increased blood pressure, and diabetes. This procedure does not use any steroid.
What are the Risks of Cervical Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation?
While cervical medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation treatment is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. The most common risk is temporary soreness or discomfort at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days. More serious but rare risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and allergic reactions to the local anesthetic used during the procedure. Another possible but very rare complication is a post-radiofrequency ablation neuritis which is inflammation of the nerves that were ablated. This can cause symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area that can last for several days to several weeks. In most cases, the symptoms of post-radiofrequency ablation neuritis will improve on their own with time, but in some cases, additional treatment may be necessary.
Who is a Candidate for Cervical Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation?
Cervical medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation is typically recommended for patients who have chronic neck pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, or chiropractic care. It is also a good option for patients who want to avoid surgery.
It’s important to note that not all patients with chronic neck pain are candidates for this procedure. For example those with spinal stenosis and/or cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating down the arm) may not benefit from or be a candidate for this procedure. A thorough evaluation by a qualified medical professional is necessary to determine if cervical medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation is the right treatment option for you. To be a candidate for the radiofrequency ablation you must also have had two positive cervical medial branch nerve blocks.
What are Cervical Medial Branch Nerve Blocks?
Cervical medial branch nerve blocks are a diagnostic injection used to identify the specific nerves that are causing pain in the neck or upper back. Cervical medial branch nerve blocks are usually required before a cervical radiofrequency ablation because the ablation targets the same nerves. By first identifying the nerves responsible for the pain, the healthcare professional can ensure that the ablation is performed accurately and effectively. During the blocks, a small amount of local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves that supply sensation to the facet joints of the cervical spine. If the injection provides temporary pain relief, it suggests that the medial branch nerves are the source of the pain. If the nerve blocks are unsuccessful in relieving the pain, it may indicate that the pain is not coming from the facet joints or medial branch nerves, and other treatment options may be considered. Overall, cervical medial branch nerve blocks are an important step in accurately diagnosing and treating chronic neck pain.
