What is Radiofrequency ablation technology?
Radiofrequency ablation is a highly advanced and minimally invasive treatment modality used in patients of chronic pain. Currently practiced by only Pain physicians in India, It involves use radiofrequency ( high frequency) waves which are delivered around the problematic nerves of the joints with the help of specially designed needles at a predetermined intensity and time.
How dose Radiofrequency ablation help in treatment of chronic pain?
Targeted delivery of Radiofrequency currents around the problematic nerves bring about their Wallerian degeneration which is a neurological process where in the nerve per se degenerates leaving the peripheral layer of the nerve intact. The nerve then grows back slowly over a period of 6-12 months and the new nerve that is formed is healthy.
This technology, thus, breaks the vicious Pain cycle and gives the patients a chance to go back to their normal pain free lives.
What are the various mechanisms of action of Radiofrequency ablation?
Peripheral Wallerian degeneration of the nerve: Due to the application of Radiofrequency currents , the friction between the various tissue molecules generate thermal energy which burns the nerves and brings about what is called as conduction block. So these nerves stop conducting pain signals from the affected site towards the brain where pain stimulus is actually processed and patient feels immediate relief from pain.
Central neuromodulation: Chronic pain has a component of Central Sensitization where in there is amplification of the pain signals in the brain and patients experience pain even in the absence of any movements or painful stimulus. With application of Radiofrequency ablation there is modulation in these central neural circuitries and the central sensitization is abolished. Thus, new nerves that regenerate are healthy.
What are the different Chronic pain conditions where radiofrequency ablation can be used?
- Back pain( Facet joint arthritis, Disc bulge, Sciatica)
- Neck pain ( Facet joint arthritis)
- Knee pain ( Knee osteoarthritis )
- Shoulder pain ( Frozen shoulder, shoulder arthritis )
- Headaches ( Cervicogenic headaches, Migraine, cluster headache)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Peripheral neuropathies ( Sensory neuropathies )
- Hip pain ( Hip arthritis, Avascular necrosis of femoral head )
- Visceral pain ( Abdominal pain , pelvic pain )
- Peripheral vascular diseasae
- Cancer pain
Salient features
- Minimally invasive technology involving only use of needles
- Day care procedure requiring few hours of observation post procedure only
- Fast recovery with Early return to work and daily routine
- No side effects
- Can be repeated as no body tissue is damaged through surgery
Radiofrequency ablation for back pain
Radiofrequency ablation for knee pain
Radiofrequency ablation for Hip pain
Radiofrequency ablation for Shoulder Pain
About Dr. Sanjog Mekewar ( MBBS DA DNB FIPM )
A dynamic young Pain physician in Pune, graduated from Prestigious B J Medical college, Pune and completed his Post-graduation in Anaesthesia from KEM hospital, Mumbai.
Having keen interest in Pain management from the beginning of his career, he pursued Full time One year Fellowship in Interventional Pain management from D Y Patil University, Navi Mumbai. Currently he is attached to Sahyadri hospital, Deccan branch and is a Visiting Consultant in Sassoon Hospital, Pune.
He specialises in treatment of Chronic pain conditions with the help of Advanced technologies like Radiofrequency ablation, Regenerative Prolotherapy.
Till now he has treated hundreds of patients with excellent results and helped them Avoid a potential surgery.
He is also the Director of Jeevisha Spine Pain Regenerative Clinic whose ultimate goal is to relieve pain, increase productivity and improve quality of life by using the most technologically advanced and minimally invasive pain treatment options.
You can follow Jeevisha Spine Pain Regenerative Clinic for the latest updates on :
Facebook page: @jeevisha.paincenter
Youtube channel: Jeevisha For Pain free Pune
Instagram: https://instagram.com/drsanjogpain/