The Pain Unit is a unit specialized in the treatment of acute and chronic pain carried out by a group of specialists dedicated and trained exclusively for this purpose.
The specialists in the Pain Unit are anesthesiologists who not only prescribe medication, but also perform interventional techniques such as infiltrations and radiofrequency among others.
In the pharmacological field, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants are common tools. In addition, advanced options such as opioids are explored in specific situations, always under careful medical supervision to avoid side effects.
Physiotherapy is also a cornerstone of these units, employing exercise, manual therapy and rehabilitation techniques to improve functionality and reduce pain.
Psychological intervention plays an essential role. Pain Anesthesiologists work on stress management techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy and other strategies to address the emotional aspects of chronic pain.
Minimally invasive interventions, such as corticosteroid injections or nerve blocks, are common to target specific areas of pain. In addition, neurostimulation and radiofrequency ablation may offer relief in selected cases. Ultimately, the key in these units is the personalization of treatment, tailoring it to the specific needs of each patient and addressing not only the symptoms, but also the underlying causes of pain.
In the Pain Unit of the San Roman Clinic we have a very complete portfolio of services, and we are specialists mainly in Neuromodulation techniques, such as Thermal Radiofrequency and Pulsed Radiofrequency. In the following, we will explore in detail what pulsed and thermal radiofrequency is, and also its applications in the field of medicine.
Pulsed radiofrequency (RFP) is an advanced medical technology used in a variety of therapeutic applications, especially in the field of chronic pain management and neurostimulation. Pulsed radiofrequency is a form of minimally invasive ablation therapy that uses electromagnetic energy in the form of high-frequency radio waves to treat a variety of medical conditions, as listed below.
Unlike continuous/thermal radiofrequency, in which a constant flow of thermal energy is applied, RFP uses intermittent pulses of energy to create a controlled lesion in target nerves or tissues. This lesion interferes with pain signals traveling to the brain, which can provide significant relief to patients experiencing chronic pain.
RFP is used in a wide range of medical applications, and some of the most common include:
- RFP has become an effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain, such as back pain and sciatica, osteoarthritis pain (very good results in knee/hip), trigeminal neuralgia and complex regional pain syndrome. By creating an injury to the nerves responsible for pain, the transmission of pain signals can be interrupted and provide lasting relief.
- Spasticity, which is characterized by muscle stiffness and spasm, can be successfully treated using RFP. By directing radiofrequency energy to the affected nerves and muscles, spasticity can be reduced and patients’ quality of life improved.
RFP is also used in neuromodulation, a field of medicine that involves electrical stimulation of nerves to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and depression. By precisely modulating nerve signals, RFP can help control and manage these conditions.
Pulsed radiofrequency offers several advantages compared to other treatments. Some of the main advantages are:
- Minimally Invasive: RFP is usually performed through small incisions or with medical imaging guidance, which minimizes damage to surrounding tissues and reduces recovery time.
- Lasting Relief: Patients often experience pain relief that can last for months or even years after a successful RFP procedure.
- Reduced Need for Medication: By providing an alternative to pharmacological treatment, RFP can reduce patients’ dependence on analgesics and other medications.
- Precise Control: The technique allows for exceptional precision by targeting specific areas of the body, minimizing the risk of unwanted side effects.
In conclusion, pulsed radiofrequency is a valuable therapeutic technique that has transformed the treatment of chronic pain and other medical conditions. Its ability to provide lasting relief and minimize the risks associated with more invasive approaches makes it an important alternative in the toolbox of modern medicine.
On the other hand, we have Thermal Radiofrequency, an advanced medical technique that uses radiofrequency energy to generate controlled heat in the body tissues for therapeutic purposes. This technology has become a valuable tool in various areas of medicine due to its ability to treat a wide range of conditions. Below we will explore in detail what thermal radiofrequency is, how it works and its key applications in the field of pain medicine.
This type of Radiofrequency seeks to generate a constant and sustained heat in the treatment area. This is achieved by using a specialized probe or electrode that transmits radiofrequency energy to the target tissue.
The heat generated produces a number of beneficial effects, such as tissue coagulation, collagen stimulation, nerve deactivation or destruction of abnormal cells, depending on the specific application.
This technique is used in various areas of the Pain Unit for the treatment of chronic pain, deactivating the nerves responsible for the pain by heating and burning them. This provides relief to patients suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis, trigeminal neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, vertebral facet pain due to osteoarthritis, knee and hip pain, among others.
RFT offers several advantages compared to other therapeutic options: it is minimally invasive, acts with precision, achieves long-lasting relief, and is an alternative to surgery. In situations where traditional surgery may be risky or invasive, RFT offers a less traumatic option with excellent results, such as herniated discs, sciatica, complex regional pain, failed back syndrome, knee/hip replacements, lumbar arthrodesis due to root impingement and/or herniated discs.
In summary, thermal radiofrequency is a versatile technique that has transformed the way in which various medical conditions are addressed in the field of pain…
