Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Bakersfield & Newport Beach

At Paragon Health Group, we utilize various procedures and treatments to help patients manage and treat pain and the conditions that cause it. Every patient’s situation is unique, requiring an adaptive approach that holds their needs at its core. One unique and flexible way for pain management treatment is through radiofrequency ablation at our offices in Newport Beach and Bakersfield.
Graphical image of a man showing as xray with a focus on inflammation of spine

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Pain Management?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure where heat is used to target the tissues of structures that are responsible for generating pain symptoms. By using local anesthetic, patients can receive radio frequency ablation virtually pain-free in our comfortable offices. The treatment works through the transmission of heat to the tissues of pain-causing growths or tumors or to nerves that cause pain, breaking them down to provide lasting symptom relief.
Image of a girl holding her neck from backside and feeling pain

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

  • Radiofrequency ablation can be used to treat chronic and severe pain conditions, such as lower back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and more.
  • The procedure is minimally invasive and can often provide relief in a single session for noticeable results.
  • RFA has proven to be an effective treatment option, providing patients with long-term pain relief from a variety of causes.
  • It is a safe procedure with minimal risks and side effects, and there is no scarring because there are no incisions.
  • Since it does not require the use of medications or surgery, recovery times are short, and patients can resume their daily activities quickly.

Signs You Are a Candidate for RFA

If you suffer from chronic pain and are looking for an effective treatment option, radio-frequency ablation may be an appropriate choice for you. If you experience any of the following signs, RFA in Bakersfiled and Newport Beach at Paragon Health Group might be a suitable option:

  • You have been living with chronic pain despite trying various conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medications.
  • Your pain is severe and not responding to any other treatment methods.
  • You do not want to undergo surgery or take medications as they can have side effects and require long recovery times.
  • You are looking for a minimally invasive procedure with fast and consistent results.

What Is the RFA Treatment Like?

At Paragon Health Group, we use the most advanced techniques and technologies to ensure our patients receive a top-quality treatment experience. During the RFA procedure, an interventional radiologist or other specialist will target specific nerve structures using imaging guidance and localized anesthetic medications. Then a needle-shaped electrode is inserted through the skin into the tissue, where it emits heat that effectively destroys the problematic nerve areas or the cells of tissues of growths (e.g., tumors) that are the source of the patient’s chronic pain. The duration of a treatment session can vary quite significantly, with them being as short as 15 minutes or as long as about two hours.

How Long Is the Recovery?

Recovery times typically depend on the severity of the pain and the type of procedure performed, but they are almost always brief or even non-existent. Most patients who undergo RFA experience relief from their pain in a single session and can resume their daily activities soon after, as there are no incisions or similarly invasive techniques used in the process. However, we still recommend taking about one day off from strenuous activity to avoid putting strain on the body and the treatment sites in particular. Some residual soreness or muscular side effects are normal and may take a couple of days to fully resolve.

What Results Can I Expect?

It’s important to note that although the pain relief may be immediate, it can take several weeks for patients to fully experience the effects of RFA treatment. Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective procedure that can help provide relief from pain for months or even years. Many patients report significant improvements in their quality of life after undergoing RFA treatment. Additionally, studies have shown that RFA is an incredibly successful option for treating chronic pain conditions, with the vast majority of patients experiencing long-term relief from their symptoms. However, the treated nerves or tissues may regrow over time, so many patients will benefit from a maintenance treatment every 6-12 months for continued pain relief.

Schedule Your Visit Today

At Paragon Health Group, we believe that everyone deserves to live a life free of pain without needing to resort to surgery in many cases. Our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to helping you find the best treatment options for your situation, adapting procedures to your unique needs. If you think radiofrequency ablation may be right for you, contact one of our offices in Newport Beach or Bakersfield today to schedule your consultation for RFA and take the first step toward fighting back against chronic pain.