Naples Physical Therapist at Jaffe Sports Medicine harnessed the power of radio frequency waves to help 50 year-old woman overcome debilitating low back pain.
NAPLES, FL, USA-
(EINPresswire via NewMediaWire) - November 24, 2014 -- Shirley T., a fifty year old married woman who lives in Naples, had been suffering with lower back pain on and off for years. More recently, the pain kept her from playing tennis and working out in the gym. Her tennis partner, who happened to be her husband, begged Shirley to take care of her back problem.One day, Shirley finally decided to make the call to Jaffe Sports Medicine. She explained to the Naples physical therapist professional that her low back pain had grown progressively worse over the last five to ten years. She also mentioned her history of lumbar scoliosis, a medical condition where the spine develops abnormal curves. To address that problem, Shirley had undergone lumbar spine surgery years ago.
In the years since, however, she has experienced increasing pain in her lower back. At one point, she underwent a series of treatments known as lumbar facet joint nerve blocks, which was effective at relieving her lower back pain. Unfortunately, the relief was only temporary.
The woman’s history made her an ideal candidate for radiofrequency ablation, a procedure that harnesses the power of radio waves to reduce pain. The healthcare professionals at Jaffe Sports Medicine performed lumbar facet joint nerve radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive injection procedure.
Facet joints are small joints between the individual bones in the spine, known as vertebra. Facet joints sit towards the back of the spine, and support the spine as the individual bends, twists and flexes. Two small nerves connect to each facet joint. These nerves carry pain signals to the brain.
The patient’s medical history made her body vulnerable to facet joint pain but many other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, stenosis, and trauma to the spine can cause facet joint pain.
Radio Frequency Ablation for Low Back Pain
Radio frequency ablation provides effective relief from facet joint pain, whether the low back problem is the result of injury or illness. Practitioners use advanced x-ray guidance, known as fluoroscopy, to direct placement of a special radiofrequency needle alongside the affected nerve. Radiofrequency waves heat up the tip of the needle; this heat disrupts the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain.
After receiving lumbar facet joint nerve radiofrequency ablation at Jaffe Sports Medicine, the patient experienced a nearly 80 percent reduction in low back pain. She is now able to resume her previous activities, such as taking care of her family, going to the gym, and more.
For more information on radio frequency ablation, contact the Naples Physical Therapy team at Jaffe Sports Medicine at 239-254-7778
Press release courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/1rkeWo9
Pat Neyra
Jaffe Sports Medicine
239-254-7778