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RF Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency (RF) is a type of radiant energy that has been used in medical procedures for decades. Basically, RF electrical energy creates heat in a specific location, at a specific temperature, for a specific time. Ultimately, it causes the death of unwanted tissue, typically nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain.

Radiofrequency pain relief

RF ablation is a minimally invasive procedure using electrical energy delivered via a thin cannula to ablate nerves causing pain. The area is numbed with local anesthetic and a very small current is passed through the cannula to heat local tissues and destroy minute nerve fibers that carry pain signals.

RF is an X-ray-guided procedure utilized when the source of a patient’s pain can be precisely determined. In some cases, the nerves that carry pain signals from the source can be disrupted through the RF process. This results in a decrease or complete abolishment of pain.

To determine if a patient is a good candidate for RF, Dr. R. Alan Moore, Jr., a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain specialist, will temporarily block the nerves serving the suspected pain source using a local anesthetic. If this reduces pain significantly, then long-term denervation may provide sustained pain relief. This is only an option if the subject nerves do not serve important functions, such as muscle control or skin sensation.

For long-term denervation, a very thin cannula is placed, under X-ray guidance, on the nerve to be ablated. The majority of patients get a good block of the targeted nerve. This helps relieve at least the part of the pain that the blocked nerve controlled. Radiofrequency procedures are often effective for:

  • Sacroiliac joint denervation (hip pain)
  • Facet denervation (headaches, neck pain and upper or lower back pain)
  • Sympathetic blocks (upper or lower extremity pain)
  • Dorsal root ganglion lesions (spinal pain)
  • RF disc (headaches, neck pain and upper or lower back pain)

Dr. Moore uses radiofrequency ablation to treat certain pain conditions. He is dedicated to helping your patients get out of pain and back to their lives. He has successfully reduced pain and symptoms and improved overall condition for thousands of patients.

He welcomes and encourages your RF referrals.

To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 713-664-2662 or use our online Request an Appointment form. For additional information on any condition, treatment or procedure, please visit our Health Education Library.