The Use of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Treating Car Accident Injuries

The Use of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Treating Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can lead to a range of painful musculoskeletal injuries, including ligament sprains, muscle strains, and nerve damage. For many patients, conventional treatments like chiropractic, physical therapy, medications, and other therapeutic modalities provide relief. However, in cases where chronic pain persists, more advanced interventions may be necessary. One such treatment is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure that targets pain by disrupting nerve signals. Dr. Deryk Harting of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care providers in the State of Florida, discusses the use of Radiofrequency Ablation in treating car accident injuries.

Radiofrequency Ablation is a medical procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and desensitize specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted near the targeted nerve, and radiofrequency energy is applied to destroy the region and prevent the nerve from sending painful signals to the brain. Some conditions that may benefit from RFA include:

• Facet joint pain: Damage to the facet joints in the neck can lead to chronic pain, which RFA can alleviate.
• Chronic spinal pain: RFA can help if an accident has caused spinal disc injuries affecting the nerves in the neck and lower back.
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: The sacroiliac joints, located at the base of the spine, can become inflamed after trauma, leading to significant pain.
• Nerve injuries: If spinal disc injuries have led to persistent nerve pain, RFA can help by interrupting the pain pathways.

RFA is particularly useful for patients experiencing chronic pain due to nerve irritation or facet joint dysfunction. Unlike surgery, RFA is an outpatient procedure that requires only a small incision which reduces recovery time. While treatments like medications or physical therapy may provide temporary relief, RFA can offer pain reduction for months or even years. By effectively targeting pain, RFA can help reduce the need for opioids and other pain medications. Additionally, patients can better engage in rehabilitation exercises, helping restore mobility and strength with less pain.

Another common intervention when treating car accident injuries is epidural steroid injections (ESIs). RFA and ESIs are both used to manage pain but work in different ways. An epidural steroid injection involves injecting a corticosteroid and an anesthetic into the epidural space around the spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. This method is particularly effective for conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis, where inflammation is a major contributor of pain. However, the relief from ESIs is typically shorter, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to months. In contrast, radiofrequency ablation directly targets the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This results in longer pain reduction, often for six months to a year or more.

Patients who have persistent pain despite trying conservative treatments may benefit from RFA. A thorough evaluation by a pain management specialist can determine if this procedure is appropriate. Factors like previous response to nerve blocks, presence of neuropathic pain, diagnostic imaging findings, and overall health status also play a role in determining the most appropriate treatment.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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