Medical advancements continue to revolutionize pain management, offering patients innovative solutions for chronic discomfort. One such breakthrough is facet thermal ablation, which uses heat energy to target and disable the nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints, providing long-lasting relief.
Facet thermal ablation has gained recognition as a minimally invasive procedure with potential benefits for various illnesses affecting the spine. NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help you alleviate symptoms and determine if facet thermal ablation is the right treatment for you. Our Concierge Team can also help make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible for your appointments.
Common Conditions Treated With Facet Thermal Ablation
Facet thermal ablation offers effective relief for multiple painful conditions originating from the spine’s facet joints. The most common conditions that facet thermal ablation can help with include:
Facet Joint Syndrome
This occurs when the facet joints become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or repetitive stress. Patients suffering from this syndrome often experience chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the affected area.
Facet Arthritis
Another common condition effectively treated with facet thermal ablation is facet arthritis. Also known as facet joint osteoarthritis, it results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage within the facet joints. As the cartilage wears away, the joints become more prone to friction, causing pain and discomfort.
Trauma From Injuries
Facet thermal ablation can also be applied in the treatment of facet joint sprains or injuries. These injuries may be related to auto accidents, sports-related incidents, or sudden, forceful movements that strain the facet joints. The resulting pain can be acute or chronic, and may significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Facet thermal ablation plays a supportive role in managing pain associated with Degenerative Disc Disease. This causes the spinal discs to gradually lose their water content, leading to decreased disc height and increased friction on the facet joints. The joint inflammation stemming from this can contribute to chronic back pain.
Different Techniques of Facet Thermal Ablation
Two primary techniques employed in facet thermal ablation are radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laser ablation. RFA involves using radiofrequency energy to generate heat and target the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints. During the procedure, a specialized needle or probe is inserted into the targeted area, and controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to the nerves.
This controlled thermal energy disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals without causing substantial damage to surrounding tissues. RFA has gained popularity due to its long-lasting pain relief, often offering relief for up to a year or more.
Laser ablation is a newer technique gaining popularity today. It uses laser energy to target and deactivate the nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints. It is particularly beneficial when radiofrequency ablation is not feasible or as effective. Both radiofrequency and laser ablation techniques effectively alleviate pain originating from the facet joints. However, finding the most suitable option depends on several factors, including the patient’s specific condition, the location and severity of pain, and the healthcare provider’s expertise.
Meet Facet Thermal Ablation Specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic
Facet thermal ablation is a promising procedure that offers much-needed relief to patients suffering from chronic pain related to facet joint conditions. Its minimally invasive nature makes it an attractive option for those who have exhausted conservative treatments. If you are looking to learn more about facet thermal ablation, NJ Spine & Orthopedic is the perfect destination.
We are experts in minimally invasive laser spine surgeries. We understand the impact of chronic pain on your daily life, and our goal is to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Our team employs the latest medical technology to ensure the highest level of care and successful patient outcomes. Contact us online or call us at (866) 553-0612 to learn more about our facet thermal ablation procedure.