Radiofrequency ablation (RFA or rhizotomy) is a procedure used to reduce pain. An electrical current is produced by a radio wave and used to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, thereby decreasing pain signals from that specific area. Relief varies, depending on the causes and the location of the pain. It is possible that pain relief from RFA can last from six and up to twelve months. Some patients experience relief for years. Over 70% of patients who have RFA experience some kind of pain relief.
RFA can be used to help patients with chronic lower back and neck pain, and pain related to the degeneration of joints from arthritis. The radiofrequency waves are often directed at the nerves to the facet joints of the spine. These joints are located on either side of the vertebra. In order to identify the nerves that are to be treated, a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, may be injected to see what nerve is producing the pain signals. If the anesthetic produces temporary relief, that nerve may benefit from RFA. Patients who have had temporary relief after epidural and facet joint injections may experience longer lasting relief with RFA.
I have been to a few doctors with my back and knee issue’s in the past. It was when I came to this practice, that I found a team of Doctors and staff members that I truly found someone that would listen and treat my conditions. Thank you to Dr. Freeman, Evan and Neil and the rest of the staff. And with the new Physical therapy introduced as part of the new Redefined Healthcare is truly a blessing. You know you are in good hands when you come here for what ever brings you to see any Dr in this practice.
After the local anesthetic (you will be awake, but will not feel any pain) has been given, the doctor will insert a small needle into the general area where you are experiencing pain. Using X-ray, your doctor will guide the needle to the exact area. A micro-electrode will then be inserted through the needle to begin the stimulation process.
During the procedure, your doctor will ask if you are able to feel a tingling sensation. The object of the stimulation process is to help the doctor determine if the electrode is in the optimal area for treatment.
Once the needle and electrode placement are verified, a small radio-frequency current is sent through the electrode into the surrounding tissue, causing the tissue to heat. You should not feel any discomfort during the heating portion of the procedure.
Great care!! Service is excellent and everyone is polite and carteous.
Dr. Eric D. Freeman is a top-rated, best-in-class pain management doctor. He is a nationally recognized pain relief specialist and is among the top pain care doctors in New Jersey and the country. He is an award-winning expert and contributor to prominent media outlets.
Dr. Eric D. Freeman has been recognized for his thoughtful, thorough, modern approach to treating chronic pain. He has been named a “top pain management doctor in New Jersey” and one of “America’s Top Physicians” for advanced sports injury treatments.
50 Mount Prospect Ave, Ste 104
Clifton, NJ 07013-1900
Orthopedics
10 Parsonage Road, Suite 208
Edison, NJ 08837
Chiropractic • Mental Health • Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy • Spine Surgery • Surgery Center
143 Anderson Avenue
Fairview, NJ 07022
Pain Management
1000 W Main Street, Suite 201
Freehold, NJ 07728
Pain Management
408 Chris Guapp Drive, Suite 250
Galloway, NJ 08205
Pain Management • Spine Surgery
146 NJ-17, Suite 2
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Pain Management • Spine Surgery • Surgery Center
807 N Haddon Avenue, Suite 1
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Pain Management
2271 Highway 33, Suite 103
Hamilton, NJ 08690
Mental Health • Pain Management • Spine Surgery
Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy
3540 JFK Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07307
Chiropractic • Pain Management • Spine Surgery
Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy
1801 New Road
Linwood, NJ 08221
Pain Management
Orthopedics
1 Bay Avenue, 2nd Floor, Suite 1
Montclair, NJ 07042
Pain Management
4000 Church Road
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Pain Management • Spine Surgery
15000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 102
Mount Laurel, NJ 08052
Pain Management
266-272 Chestnut Street
Newark, NJ 07105
Orthopedics
157 High St.
Newton, NJ 07860
Pain Management • Spine Surgery
922 Main Street, Suite 201
Paterson, NJ 07503
Chiropractic • Pain Management • Physical Therapy
Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy
1814 E 2nd Street
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Orthopedics
102 Heritage Valley Drive, Suite C
Sewell, NJ 08080
Pain Management • Spine Surgery
111 Dean Drive, Suite 1
Tenafly, NJ 07670
Pain Management
860 Route 168, Ste 104
Turnersville, NJ 08012
Orthopedics • Pain Management • Spine Surgery
2500 Morris Avenue, Suite 220
Union, NJ 07083
Mental Health • Pain Management • Spine Surgery
415 W Landis Ave Suite 101-B
Vineland, NJ 08360
Pain Management • Spine Surgery
1001 Laurel Oak Road, Suite A2
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Pain Management • Spine Surgery
1985 State Highway 34, Suite 6A
Wall, NJ 07719
Pain Management • Spine Surgery
329 Greentree Road
Sewell, NJ 08080
Pain Management
445 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
Orthopedics • Pain Management
Orthopedics • Pain Management • Physical Therapy
70 Hatfield Lane, Suite 201
Goshen, NY 10924
Pain Management • Spine Surgery