Reduce Car Accident Pain with Radiofrequency Ablation
Pain naturally comes after a car accident, and there are countless ways to treat it. Some people resort to over-the-counter medications, while others look to more natural methods such as manual therapy. While different methods work for different people, it can be difficult to find something that gives you relief. Although you may not have heard about it as often, radiofrequency ablation (RA) treatment may be the solution to your problems. The experts at Impact Medical Brandon explain what radiofrequency ablation is and how it can reduce car accident pain.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
What can you expect from an RA procedure? Radiofrequency waves are manipulated in a way that causes quick friction to generate heat. This heat is then used to surgically eradicate troublesome parts of your body that are causing your pain and discomfort. People may use the terms “melt” or “evaporate,” but whatever words you use, the result is the removal of the source of your pain caused by a car accident.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Reduces Pain
The heat waves produced through RA treatment target the nerve tissue surrounding the nerve that is sending pain signals to your brain. The tissue heats up to the point where the nerve underneath is killed off, thus eliminating the source of your pain. Since this is an intricate and lasting procedure, it has been proven to relieve chronic pain over the course of 6 to 12 months (and even longer) in roughly 70% of patients.
When it comes to car accidents, your neck and back are the most susceptible to pain. This is because whiplash is the most common injury which directly affects the neck and shoulder area, but since that area is connected to the spine, the pain can travel down the length of your back. Radiofrequency ablation can easily target the most painful areas of your neck and back for lasting relief.
Prepping For RA Treatment
RA treatment isn’t as intense a procedure as most invasive surgeries, but there are still some things that you need to do to prepare for your appointment. But first, a common question is whether or not you need to be under sedation for this procedure. Deep sedation is not necessary, but some patients will still request light sedation just to ease their stress. However, it is entirely possible to go through with the procedure without needing any sedation at all.
According to your doctor, you may need to:
- Fast at least six hours prior to your procedure, with the exception of clear fluids up to two hours beforehand.
- Bring a designated driver if you choose to be put under sedation, however light.
- Lower your medication intake around the time of your procedure.
Be sure to ask your doctor about anything else you may need to do before, during, or after your procedure to ensure a smooth surgery. If you have to, take notes so you don’t forget any details. RA treatment is a fairly simple procedure, but it’s best to take all of the necessary precautions for your safety!
Get Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment at Impact Medical Brandon
If you think you may need radiofrequency ablation treatment to relieve your post-accident pain, schedule an appointment with the professionals at Impact Medical Brandon! We will give you a thorough physical examination to ensure the most optimal and satisfactory results. Give us a call at (813) 522-8885 to get started!