The median nerve controls movement and sensations of the hands, wrists, and fingers. An injury to the median nerve or a pinched nerve may cause chronic inflammation, numbness, tingling, and chronic pain to develop. When minimally invasive measures like physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatories fail to provide relief, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can help you regain your mobility and live pain free again. Find out if median nerve radiofrequency ablation offered by Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) in Corinth is the right pain-relieving solution for you.

What is median nerve radiofrequency ablation?

Also called RFA, this procedure uses a tiny hollow needle inserted into the targeted area to create lesions on the nerve using heat. The treatment essentially burns the nerve endings to disrupt pain signals to the brain. Median nerve RFA is ideal for patients that have osteoarthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome in their wrists. The procedure is incredibly precise, as it delivers heat to a targeted area of the median nerve, leaving surrounding tissue unaffected.

The Procedure

Our pain management physician in Corinth will ask you to sit and position your arm with the inside of your wrists facing upward. A local anesthetic is used, meaning you remain awake during the procedure. The area is cleansed before inserting the hollow needle with an electrode attached to the opposing end. The electrode sends radio waves or currents through the needle and into the targeted area. The procedure may take 15 minutes or so per hand and the pain management doctor may use ultrasound guidance to assist during the procedure.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Before administering any treatment, you consult with our pain management doctor for a review of your health history and overall health to determine the right treatment for you. Usually, a median nerve block is administered as a first step before RFA. If you experience good results from the nerve block, then it is confirmed that the median nerve is in fact the cause of your pain. Then, the pain management physician will recommend RFA of your median nerve.

After Your Procedure

You should have someone drive you home afterward because your hand(s) will be numb for a few hours. We also recommend having foods on hand that are easy to prepare and avoid lifting anything heavy or strenuous activity using your hands for the first 24 hours. Swelling and burning sensations may occur, although these symptoms subside within a day or two. You can apply ice packs for up to 20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling.

Risks and Complications

Radiofrequency ablation results in little to no risks or complications, although in rare circumstances, permanent nerve damage or pain may occur. These sensations may last up to a couple of weeks or longer. Infection and bleeding at the treatment site may also occur, although rare. If you experience severe pain, contact MSSP immediately.

Median Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Pain Management in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN

If you experience chronic pain in your wrists that has not responded well to other more conservative treatments, then radiofrequency ablation may be right for you. To learn more about this procedure or to find out if you are a candidate, contact Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates by calling (662) 284-8565.ers to ensure you receive the relief that you deserve. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call (662) 284-8565.