A lumbar facet radiofrequency neurotomy, also known as radiofrequency rhizotomy, reduces or eliminates back pain in damaged facet joints. By disrupting pain signals from the damaged nerve, radiofrequency energy prevents the lumbar branch nerve from sending pain signals to the brain. A lumbar facet radiofrequency neurotomy can be used to treat pain in the legs and lower back. A lumbar facet radiofrequency neurotomy may provide pain relief for patients suffering from degenerative disc disease or lumbar facet joint syndrome.

The spine’s nerves are the cause of chronic back pain. Nerves are found in the vertebrae of the spine, ligaments that connect bones, and facet joints and sacroiliac joints, among others. It is the nerves which are responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. Heat is generated by an electrical current traveling through a needle inserted next to these small nerves during a radiofrequency neurotomy procedure. During the procedure, the heat is directed at the nerve causing the pain, preventing damage to nearby healthy nerves.

Using radiofrequency neurotomy, chronic back pain can be relieved non-surgically.

The procedure uses heat to destroy a nerve that is causing chronic pain, even after treatment or medication has been administered. Pain is defined as chronic if it persists for more than 12 weeks despite treatment or medication. Radiofrequency ablation is another name for this procedure. In most cases, lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy is performed as an outpatient procedure.

Neurotomies can result in complete or near complete pain relief in 60 to 70% of cases. Typically, this lasts for nine to eleven months. It is worth noting, however, that the duration of relief can range from six months to three years. Eventually, the nerve grows back and the procedure can be repeated.

A radiofrequency neurotomy temporarily disables the ability of certain nerves to send pain signals by applying heat generated by radio waves.

Radio waves are delivered to the targeted nerves through needles inserted through the skin near the painful area. When radiofrequency neurotomy is being performed, imaging scans are typically used to ensure needle placement is accurate.

In most cases, radiofrequency neurotomy is used to treat pain in the back, neck, and buttocks (sacroiliac joint). Long-term shoulder, knee, or hip pain may also benefit from it.

Neck and back pain cannot be permanently cured with radiofrequency neurotomy.

It is possible that some people will experience modest pain relief in the short term, while others may feel better for several months. There are times when the treatment does not improve pain or function at all. It is vital that the nerves targeted during the treatment are the same ones that are causing your pain so that the treatment can work.

A chronic pain condition can negatively impact all aspects of your life. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may not be able to work, play with your children or grandkids, or engage in your favorite recreational activities. Additionally, chronic pain can affect your mood and make it difficult to sleep well. Radiofrequency neurotomy can help you get relief from chronic pain if you have been seeking a solution without success.

Arthritis and neuropathic pain are the most common reasons for radiofrequency neurotomy. These conditions are most commonly treated at the neck, back, and hips.

Pain caused by nerve issues can also be treated with radiofrequency ablation in other joints. Those with chronic pain who have not responded to over-the-counter or prescription medications, physical therapy, or regenerative medicine may be good candidates for radiofrequency neurotomy.

Radiofrequency neurotomy is available at Jackson Pain Center. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 1 Layfair Drive, Suite 400 Flowood, MS 39232. We serve patients from Flowood MS, Jackson MS, Pearl MS, Richland MS, Ridgeland MS, Langford MS, Brandon MS, and the entire central Mississippi area.