Q. What is Radiofrequency Lesioning?
A. Radiofrequency Lesioning is a safe, proven means of effectively providing lasting relief from chronic pain.

Q. What is the procedure for Radiofrequency lesioning?
A. Radiofrequency Lesioning is performed by a physician in a hospital or a surgical center, or on an outpatient basis.

Following the administration of a local anesthetic, your physician will use fluoroscopy to guide a small insulated needle into the general area where you are experiencing the pain.

Then your physician will stimulate the nerves near the tip of the needle to make sure it is correctly placed. When the correct site has been found, Radiofrequency Lesioning treatment will begin.

During treatment, a Radiofrequency Generator transmits a small radiofrequency current through the insulated needle, to disrupt the specific nerve sending pain signals to your brain. More than one area may need to be treated to achieve optimal pain relief.

Q. Is the procedure painful?
A. Unlike surgery, there is no incision and the procedure is not particularly painful. A local anesthetic is used before the procedure to reduce any discomfort during treatment.

Q. Is there pain after the procedure?
A. You may experience some discomfort at the site of the Radiofrequency Lesioning. However, this discomfort usually subsides and can be treated with medication during this short period of time. Icing to the local areas can decrease pain post procedure.

Q. Am I a candidate for Radiofrequency Lesioning?
A. If you have chronic pain, only your physician can decide whether this procedure is right for you. Your physician may use nerve blocks to see if you might respond to Radiofrequency Lesioning.

Q. How long does the pain last after Radiofrequency Lesioning?
A. Radiofrequency Lesioning treatment should provide the pain relief you need, to allow you to resume your daily activities. Pain relief usually lasts 3-12 months.

On occasion, your body may regenerate the nerve responsible for sending pain signals to your brain. If this occurs, Radiofrequency Lesioning treatment can be performed again.

Q. Are there risks associated with Radiofrequency Lesioning?
A. As with any medical procedure, however minor, there are certain risks involved. Please consult your physician for more details.

Radiofrequency lesioning is now being performed by Dr. Ben Wall at the Independence Back Institute in Wilmington. Dr. Wall is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is a graduate of the Bowman-Gray School of Medicine and did his Residency training at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Wall is a member if the International Spinal Injection Society and has a special interest in radiofrequency and fluoroscopic pain management. Dr. Wall treats patients at the Coastal Rehabilitation Hospital and at the Independence Back Institute. The phone number is (910) 794-8892.