Radio Frequency Ablation in Tulsa, Oklahoma

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic neck and back pain by targeting and disrupting the nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain. At Tulsa Pain Consultants, our experienced interventional pain specialists utilize RFA to provide significant, long-lasting relief for patients suffering from various spine-related pain conditions. This innovative treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat and deactivate specific nerves, effectively interrupting pain signals and reducing discomfort.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

RFA involves inserting a small, specialized needle into the area near the painful nerves. Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) for precise guidance, the physician positions the needle accurately. Once in place, radiofrequency energy is delivered through the needle to heat and ablate (destroy) the targeted nerve fibers. This process disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain, providing substantial pain relief.

Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation at Tulsa Pain Consultants is effective in treating a range of conditions, including:

• Chronic Neck Pain: Persistent pain in the cervical spine often due to arthritis, injury, or degenerative disc disease.
• Chronic Back Pain: Long-lasting pain in the lumbar or thoracic spine caused by conditions such as facet joint arthritis or spinal stenosis.
• Facet Joint Syndrome: Pain originating from the small joints connecting the vertebrae in the spine.
• Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Discomfort in the lower back and buttocks resulting from inflammation or dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint.

The Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure

The RFA procedure at Tulsa Pain Consultants typically involves the following steps:

• Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably, and the injection site is cleaned and sterilized.
• Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area and ensure patient comfort.
• Needle Placement: Using fluoroscopic guidance, the physician inserts a specialized needle near the targeted nerves.
• Radiofrequency Energy Delivery: Radiofrequency energy is transmitted through the needle to heat and ablate the nerve fibers.
• Post-Procedure: Patients are monitored briefly before being discharged with post-procedure care instructions.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

RFA offers several advantages for managing chronic neck and back pain:

• Long-Lasting Pain Relief: Patients often experience pain relief lasting six months to a year or longer.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is non-surgical and involves minimal downtime.
• Targeted Treatment: Directly addresses the source of pain without affecting surrounding tissues.
• Improved Mobility: Reduced pain leads to better mobility and quality of life.

Potential Side Effects

While RFA is generally safe, some potential side effects include:

• Temporary Discomfort: Some patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site.
• Nerve Damage: Although rare, there is a slight risk of damage to surrounding nerves.
• Infection: A slight risk of infection at the injection site.

Alternative Treatments: PRP and Stem Cell Therapy

For those seeking alternatives to radiofrequency ablation, Tulsa Pain Consultants offers advanced treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that harnesses the body’s natural healing capabilities to reduce pain and promote tissue repair. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting this platelet-rich solution into the affected area. PRP therapy is effective in treating joint pain, tendonitis, and ligament injuries by stimulating tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.

Why Choose Tulsa Pain Consultants?

• Experienced Specialists: Our team has extensive experience in treating pain and managing chronic pain. Dr. Martin Martucci is a specialist in Interventional Pain and has been practicing in Tulsa for over 25 years.
• Comprehensive Care: We offer a wide range of treatment options, ensuring you receive the most effective care for your unique needs.
• Compassionate Approach: We prioritize your comfort and well-being, offering a supportive environment throughout your treatment journey.
• Regenerative Medicine Therapies Wellness Integration: At Tulsa Pain Consultants, we focus on offering long-term healing and improved mobility using our bodies’ ability to heal. Regenerative medicine therapies such as Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) treatments offer lasting relief without relying on medication and can delay the need for invasive surgeries. The treatments are minimally invasive, safe, and effective.
• Wellness Integration: We provide wellness care into your pain management therapy that may include medical weight-loss using Semaglutide, hormone balancing and lifestyle changes.

Don’t Let Pain Control Your Life

If you are suffering from chronic neck or back pain and want to explore radiofrequency ablation or alternative treatments, contact Tulsa Pain Consultants today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you find the right solution for lasting pain relief and improved quality of life.

We proudly serve Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Bixby, Jenks, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma.

Call us today at 918-742-7030 to schedule your appointment!