Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation for Lumbar Pain

This minimally invasive treatment relieves pain in the lower back (lumbar region). It uses heat produced by radio waves to destroy the nerves sending pain signals to the brain — patients who have undergone the procedure report long-term pain relief.

Candidates who qualify for the radiofrequency nerve ablation are those that have the following:

• Chronic pain that persists even under medications.
• Experienced pain relief with the diagnostic nerve block test.

The procedure involves targeting the facet joints contributing to chronic pain in the lower back.

First, Dr. Thompson performs a diagnostic nerve block to determine the target nerve to be heated. The skin is then numbed with local anesthesia, and fluoroscopy is used to guide a treatment needle to the target nerve. Once the needle is in position, electric impulses are used to heat the nerve.

After the procedure, which lasts for less than one hour, the patient may feel soreness and numbness in the lower back region. Pain relief in this area is typically achieved after ten days, but some patients may experience it immediately.

Nerve ablation may relieve pain in 70% of patients, depending on the accuracy of the diagnosis and the anatomy of the targeted nerve. The effect of nerve ablation for lumbar pain may last for 6 to 12 months or even more. If the nerve regenerates, the pain may or may not return. Nerve ablation may then be repeated if needed.

At The Pain Center in Boise, our commitment is to relieve nerve pain and increase your quality of life. We offer personalized pain relief and treatment options for our patients. Dr. Sandra Thompson is an expert in relieving lumbar pain using radiofrequency ablation.

Contact us today to book your appointment if you suffer from chronic back pain. We also accept all major insurance plans, which can be confirmed over the phone before your first appointment.