How Ablation Can Treat Back Pain - Yale Medicine Explains

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Chronic back pain can be caused by various factors including arthritis, muscle strains, herniated discs and even from previous medical interventions and corrections. For some patients this can have a severe impact on their lives. Spine pain is often associated with the nerves which carry information that control movement and sensations to the brain. When a nerve in the spine is damaged it can cause pain, increased sensitivity, numbness and muscle weakness. Conditions like arthritis can cause chronic pain signals to come out of those nerves. Once the source of the chronic pain is diagnosed specific treatment options such as medication and physical therapy can be offered to manage the pain. In some instances a nerve block can help manage the pain. In severe cases of chronic pain therapies targeting the nerve tissue can be used. Radiofrequency Ablation uses heat produced from radio waves to target nerve tissue. The radiofrequency damages the nerve tissue which prevents the pain signal from reaching the brain. This is done in a minimally invasive fashion under image guidance with needle being inserted into the targeted nerve. Most patients go home the same day. This technology is being applied to other chronic musculoskeletal pain in the body.
0:00 - Back Pain
1:51 - Radiofrequency Ablation