Chronic nerve pain is one of the most debilitating medical conditions, negatively impacting a patient’s daily life, including mobility, sleep, and the ability to perform simple activities. With advancements in medicine, several modern solutions have emerged to manage pain more effectively, one of the most prominent being Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation is a precise therapeutic procedure that uses a thin needle to deliver electromagnetic waves at a specific frequency directly to the nerve causing the pain.

These waves alter the transmission of pain signals without adversely affecting the overall function of the nerve or surrounding tissues.

RFA is considered a middle-ground treatment between medication and surgery, offering both high efficacy and precision with minimal invasiveness.

Conditions Treated with RFA

Doctors usually recommend RFA for cases where medication or physical therapy has not provided sufficient relief, such as:

• Chronic spinal pain (cervical and lumbar).
• Persistent pain from a disc herniation despite conservative treatment.
• Spinal joint pain.
• Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain causing severe facial discomfort or headaches).
• Certain types of peripheral nerve pain.

How is the Procedure Performed?

• The patient is prepared in a procedure room under the supervision of a specialised medical team.
• Local anaesthesia is applied at the needle entry site.
• A thin needle is guided precisely to the targeted nerve using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance) or ultrasound.
• Radiofrequency waves are delivered through the needle for several minutes to disrupt pain signal transmission.
• The patient can usually go home the same day and resume normal activities shortly thereafter.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

• High Safety: The procedure is performed with precise imaging guidance.
• Minimally Invasive: No surgical incision or prolonged hospital stay is required.
• Long-Lasting Results: Pain relief can last for months or even years.
• Quick Return to Daily Life: Patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Effectiveness and Expectations

Studies show that most patients experience significant pain relief after RFA, improving sleep, mobility, and daily activity levels. Some patients may require a repeat session after a period to maintain long-term results.

Radiofrequency Ablation at Dr Mohamed Fathallah AlSawy’s Clinic

At Dr AlSawy’s clinic, we use the latest global RFA equipment and follow strict safety protocols to ensure optimal outcomes. Each patient receives a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a precise diagnosis, the therapeutic procedure, and continuous follow-up to achieve the best possible quality of life.