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Pain from a herniated disc can disrupt your daily routine, limit your mobility, and wreck your ability to rest. When standard treatments fail to bring relief, we may recommend radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
It’s one of the services our multispecialty team at Coastal Spine in New Jersey uses to address nerve-related pain. However, before deciding if it’s right for you, we believe it’s important to explain what RFA does, what it doesn’t do, and how it fits into a comprehensive treatment plan.
Herniated disc basics
Spinal discs act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) of your spine. When one of these discs is damaged, its inner gel-like core can protrude (herniate) outward through a tear in the outer layer.
Depending on its location, the protrusion can place pressure on nearby nerves, leading to discomfort that may radiate into the arms or legs, along with tingling or weakness.
The inflammation and nerve irritation related to a herniated disc can resolve over time with conservative care. However, some individuals continue to experience persistent symptoms that require more targeted intervention.
How radiofrequency ablation works
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that focuses on interrupting pain signals. Using imaging guidance, your provider inserts a small needle-like probe near specific nerves and applies controlled heat. This heat alters the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.
RFA is minimally invasive, typically performed in the office, and offers long-term relief. Our patients appreciate that RFA avoids the need for large incisions or lengthy recovery periods.
Can RFA help with a herniated disc?
It’s crucial to distinguish between treating the source of the problem and managing the symptoms. RFA doesn’t repair or reposition a herniated disc. Instead, it targets certain nerves that may contribute to ongoing pain.
In cases where discomfort is linked to the area where nerves run through the spine’s small, stabilizing facet joints, RFA can be quite effective. However, if your pain is primarily due to nerve compression from the disc itself, other treatments may offer more direct relief.
That’s why an accurate diagnosis of what’s causing your back or neck pain is essential before moving forward with any interventional procedure.
Who benefits from RFA?
Radiofrequency ablation for back or neck pain tends to work best for patients whose pain can be clearly traced to specific nerves. Candidates often:
- Have ongoing spinal pain that hasn’t improved with basic treatments
- Experience relief from diagnostic nerve block injections
- Show signs that facet joints are a primary pain generator
- Want to delay or avoid surgery
A detailed evaluation, often including imaging and diagnostic testing, helps determine whether this approach is appropriate.
While RFA can play a meaningful role in managing certain types of spine-related pain, it isn’t a cure for a herniated disc. Thus, its success depends on determining whether the pain originates from nerves that can be safely treated with this technique.
Exploring other treatment options
At Coastal Spine, we tailor treatments to each patient’s needs. For instance, if a herniated disc significantly compresses a nerve, treatments that directly reduce inflammation or relieve pressure may be more effective.
These can include targeted injections, structured rehabilitation programs, or surgical intervention in more advanced cases.
Ready for a treatment plan that fits your needs?
Schedule an evaluation at Coastal Spine today. Call the office or request an appointment online. We can help.
