At Blackberry Clinic we have a specialist pain clinic service to treat patients with chronic and acute low back pain, discogenic back pain, thoracic back pain and neck pain. We have a team of highly experienced musculoskeletal medicine and pain management doctors who perform specialised treatments.
Our doctors are experts in diagnosis, but if you need an MRI or further investigation this can all be arranged very easily and quickly, sometimes on the same day if there is availability at a nearby MRI centre. We have fluoroscopes and ultrasound machines for guided injections, ensuring that the correct area is targeted for the optimum result.
We also have physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors that can help with rehabilitation following pain relieving treatment and injections. Our aim is to have you pain free and living your best life and our team of doctors and practitioners offer a unique service for our patients.
One of the treatments we offer is radiofrequency denervation for back pain. Here we answer your FAQs on RF and hope that we can put any concerns you may have to rest.
What is radiofrequency denervation treatment?
This is a treatment for severely painful facet joints in the spine. Denervation means the interruption of the nerves which carry pain sensation from the facet joints. It is performed using a radiofrequency lesioning needle which is a safe and proven method of interrupting the pain signals. The RF current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue, interrupting the pain signals from that specific area and decreasing the pain felt.
What conditions does radiofrequency denervation treat?
This treatment is for severely painful joints caused by osteoarthritis (wear and tear). It can be performed on the lower back, neck sacroiliac joint and knee. The aim is to affect the pain pathway by interrupting the signal from the nerve to the tissues and surrounding areas.
What is the procedure for radiofrequency denervation?
You will have a thorough assessment to see if this treatment is appropriate and the treatment will be explained to you. You will be taken to our fluoroscopy theatre so the doctor can use the x ray or ultrasound equipment for guidance in placing the needle. The doctor will explain what is happening throughout the procedure and you will be closely monitored. The doctor uses a micro electrode to administer the current from the radiofrequency machine.
Is radiofrequency denervation painful?
Local anaesthetic is used so it is not an excessively painful procedure. You may feel a tingling sensation once the current is being administered. The doctor can administer extra pain relief if you do feel pain and will ask you throughout the procedure if you are ok and coping with the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
You will be booked in for a follow up and progress report and the doctor will decide then on any further treatment if appropriate. It is important to book in with one of our practitioners so they can guide you in a programme of gradual return to full fitness.
How long does the treatment take?
You will be in Blackberry Clinic for about an hour and you should be able to resume your normal activities as soon as you feel able.
If you are struggling with back pain, please don’t suffer in silence. Make an appointment to see one of our physios for an assessment and if manual treatment does not help we have many other treatment options for you. We won’t stop until we find the solution for your pain!
