Peripheral nerve radiofrequency is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment used to relieve chronic pain associated with various conditions affecting the body’s peripheral nerves.
This procedure is part of the options offered at Clínica San Román’s Pain Management Unit and is designed to provide prolonged relief in patients who have not found improvement with other conservative treatments.
What Are Peripheral Nerves?
Peripheral nerves are those that lie outside the brain and spinal cord, forming the peripheral nervous system.
These nerves are responsible for transmitting pain, sensation and movement signals to muscles and tissues throughout the body.
When these nerves become damaged or irritated, they can cause neuropathic pain, which is chronic and difficult to treat with conventional approaches.
Causes of peripheral nerve damage can include trauma, surgery, chronic diseases such as diabetes or even infections.
In many cases, neuropathic pain does not respond adequately to medication or physical therapy, and this is where radiofrequency plays a crucial role.
Indications for Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency
This treatment is indicated for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain that has not improved with other conventional methods.
Some of the conditions that may benefit from peripheral nerve radiofrequency include:
- Diabetic neuropathy: Chronic pain caused by peripheral nerve damage due to diabetes.
- Postoperative pain: Persistent pain in peripheral areas after surgery.
- Post-traumatic neuropathy: Pain due to nerve irritation or damage after trauma.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): Severe and prolonged pain affecting the arms or legs after injury or surgery.
- Postherpetic neuralgia: Chronic pain that persists after an episode of herpes zoster (shingles).
How Does Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Work?
Radiofrequency treatment involves the application of a high-frequency electrical current through a needle inserted near the affected peripheral nerve.
This procedure generates controlled heat, which temporarily deactivates the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.
- Ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance: The physician uses ultrasound or X-ray images to precisely locate the affected peripheral nerve.
- Needle insertion: Once the nerve is located, a fine needle is inserted in the vicinity of the peripheral nerve.
- Radiofrequency application: Through the needle, controlled radiofrequency current is administered, causing a temporary interruption of pain signals.
The treatment is outpatient and minimally invasive, which means that patients can return to their normal activities in a short time.
Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Benefits
Radiofrequency treatment offers several key benefits for patients suffering from neuropathic pain:
- Prolonged pain relief: Patients may experience a significant decrease in pain for several months, improving their quality of life.
- Minimally invasive procedure: Unlike surgeries, radiofrequency does not require large incisions or long recovery times.
- Reduced medication use: Patients can reduce or eliminate their dependence on pain medications, which reduces the risk of long-term side effects.
- Improved mobility: By reducing chronic pain, many patients experience an improvement in their ability to perform daily activities.
Procedure and Recovery
The peripheral nerve RF procedure lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.
Prior to treatment, local anesthesia is applied to minimize discomfort, and the radiofrequency current is administered with the aid of imaging to ensure accuracy.
After the procedure, patients usually experience gradual pain relief in the days or weeks that follow.
In most cases, recovery is rapid, and patients can return to their daily activities on the same or the following day.
However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days after treatment.
The effect of radiofrequency may last for several months and, in some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure if the pain returns.
When to Consider Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency?
This treatment is ideal for patients who have not found relief with other treatments, such as physical therapy, medications or nerve blocks.
It is also an excellent option for those seeking to avoid more invasive surgical procedures and want an effective option for managing chronic pain.
At Clínica San Román, pain specialists customize each peripheral nerve radiofrequency treatment, adapting it to the individual needs of each patient.
The goal is to maximize the benefits of treatment and provide prolonged and effective relief.
Conclusion
Peripheral nerve radiofrequency is an advanced and minimally invasive treatment option to relieve chronic neuropathic pain.
At Clinica San Roman’s Pain Management Unit, we offer this procedure to help patients improve their quality of life and reduce dependence on medications.
If you suffer from chronic pain related to peripheral nerves and other treatments have not been effective, we invite you to consult with our specialists to determine if this treatment is right for you.
