Based in Missouri, Ramis Gheith, MD, FASA, is the founder and medical director of the Interventional Pain Institute. A diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, Dr. Gheith offers interventional pain management therapies. Chronic pain in areas such as the back and the neck may require advanced therapies like radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Radiofrequency ablation is most frequently discussed with individuals with long-term lower back and neck pain originating from arthritic joints and/or whiplash injuries (ie. car accidents, work injuries or sport injuries). The minimally invasive RFA procedure focuses on heating up small areas of nerve tissue using an electrical current generated by radio waves. RFA aims to stop the pain signals being sent to the brain from the affected area. The risk of serious complications from RFA are very low due to the use of advanced technology in a safe and expert environment.

When radiofrequency ablation is deemed appropriate, the procedure can be done during an office visit under mild anesthesia. Guided by real time XRay images, a thin needle is inserted into the impacted area. Next, a numbing agent is applied and a small radiofrequency current is delivered to burn the nerve and reduce transmission of pain signals. Some post-procedure pain is expected, but patients typically return to their normal activities over the course of one to three days.

Although many patients experience post RFA pain relief, the degree and duration of relief varies based on the source of pain.