Call Us: (228)357-5464

Physicians' Pain and Spine Specialists, PLLC

Radiofrequency Neurotomy

Radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat generated by radio waves to damage specific nerves and temporarily interfere with their ability to transmit pain signals. Before this procedure is undertaken, the joints and branch nerves will have already been proven to be painful by a diagnostic form of spinal injection, and will not have responded to other treatment methods. If effective, the neurotomy should provide facet or sacroiliac joint pain relief lasting at least nine to fourteen months and sometimes much longer.​

Radiofrequency neurotomy is performed by delivering radio waves to the targeted nerves via needles inserted through the skin above your spine. The physician will use fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance to direct a radiofrequency needle alongside the medial or lateral branch nerves. A small amount of electrical current will then be carefully passed through each needle to assure it is next to the target nerve. The nerves will then be numbed to minimize pain while the nerve is being lesioned. This process will be repeated for usually 1-5 additional nerves.

To read more, go to: http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-neurotomy-facet-and-sacroiliac-joint-pain