Dr. Brandon Claflin on Radiofrequency Ablation as a Treatment for Chronic Pain

By Your Health Magazine

Radiofrequency ablation can be an effective option for chronic pain when targeted nerves are driving symptoms. Studies show that many patients experience meaningful relief for six to twelve months, with a faster recovery time than surgery.

As a minimally invasive approach, radiofrequency ablation treatment focuses heat on the pain-carrying nerves, reducing signals to the brain. Dr. Brandon Claflin of Oklahoma uses it after careful diagnosis and conservative care. The treatment helps individuals move, sleep, and work with less discomfort, while avoiding the need for long-term medication.

We identify who benefits most, walk you through the radiofrequency ablation procedure step by step, and outline the outcomes you can expect. This guide explores candid pros and cons, typical recovery times, and how long the relief may last. We also cover safety considerations and discuss next steps according to Dr. Claflin’s expertise and the personalized plans he creates for patients.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

RFA converts electromagnetic radio waves into thermal energy — heat — and delivers it through a specialized needle or probe to the target nerve. The heat targets a small portion of the nerve tissue, effectively disrupting the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals. Because the procedure is image-guided, often using X-ray or ultrasound, the pain physician can position the needle with incredible precision at the correct nerve.

The physician may first apply mild electrical stimulation to confirm the correct nerve target. Once confirmed, the physician numbs the area and applies radiofrequency current for a few minutes to ablate the nerve. Nearby healthy nerves are not damaged because the electrode is highly targeted. By interrupting pain pathways in this way, RFA can significantly reduce chronic pain from the treated area.

What are the Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment?

Benefits center on durable pain relief without open surgery, faster return to activities, and reduced reliance on daily pain medication. When physicians correctly identify the pain generator, many patients experience meaningful improvement for months at a time. Relief commonly lasts six to twelve months, and some individuals report longer-lasting benefits.

Because nerves can regrow, symptoms may return over time, so physicians sometimes offer repeat treatment for pain management. Success varies by condition and patient factors, so your clinician will tailor expectations and follow-up planning to your specific needs. The benefits of radiofrequency ablation can be summarized as follows:

Longer-lasting relief: When successful, RFA can provide pain reduction for months to even years. It lasts longer than typical relief from steroid injections or nerve blocks, because the nerve is actually disrupted, not just numbed.
Minimally invasive procedure: The procedure is done through a needle poke, not an incision, so there’s no surgical scar and minimal tissue damage. There is little to no recovery time – many patients resume normal activities within a day or two after resting.
Reduced reliance pain medication: By effectively dampening the pain signals, RFA can decrease reliance on daily pain meds for chronic pain management.
Repeatable treatment options: The nerve lesions from RFA are not permanent, and nerves can regenerate over time. Physicians can safely repeat the RFA procedure if pain returns months or years later due to nerve regrowth.
Alternative to major surgery: For conditions such as facet joint arthritis or chronic knee pain, RFA may help delay the need for surgical interventions by managing pain in the interim.

What to Expect During a Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure

Physicians typically perform RFA as an outpatient procedure that lasts approximately 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated. Here’s a brief overview of what happens during RFA:

Preparation: The RFA team will ask you to arrive with a companion to drive you home. You may need to avoid eating or drinking after midnight before the procedure.
Positioning and anesthesia: You’ll lie on a procedure table. The doctor will cleanse the skin and inject a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Imaging guidance: Using fluoroscopy or ultrasound for guidance, the physician advances a special RFA needle to the target nerve location.
Target confirmation: Before ablation, the physician may send a small test current through the needle to verify that it sits next to the correct nerve.
Nerve regenerate: An expected, eventual outcome is that the treated nerve may regrow over time, typically after several months, which means the pain can recur. If this happens, RFA can be done again on that nerve if appropriate.

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Right for You?

Radiofrequency ablation treatment has emerged as a practical option for managing certain types of chronic pain, especially spine and joint pain that hasn’t improved with other therapies. It offers the promise of long-lasting relief without the invasiveness of surgery.

There are a few considerations, including the possibility of pain returning, and it’s important to consult a specialist for a thorough evaluation.

If you suffer from persistent pain and meet the criteria, RFA might be a worthwhile treatment to discuss with your healthcare provider, potentially helping you regain comfort and improve your day-to-day function.