Q & A
WHAT IS A RHIZOTOMY?
A rhizotomy, also known as ablation or cauterization, is a minimally invasive procedure that treats many of the same conditions as nerve ablation therapy. It also targets nerve tissues that affect your facet joints.
When there are problems with your facet joints, your body sends pain signals to your brain. A rhizotomy turns off those pain signals.
HOW DOES A RHIZOTOMY WORK?
Dr. Glaser begins by applying a local anesthetic to numb the injection site. Doing so keeps you conscious during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain.
Next, he intravenously (by IV) administers a mild sedative. Fluoroscopy, or real-time X-ray technology, helps guide the correct placement of the needle for your maximum treatment benefit.
You may feel some pressure or tingling as an electric current passes through the needle to guide its proper placement. Dr. Glaser uses a radiofrequency generator to move heat through the electrical current, which burns off targeted nerve tissue.
A thermosensor at the tip of the needle regulates the heating temperature of targeted nerve tissue temperature. That information is displayed on the screen of the Stryker® radiofrequency generator that Dr. Glaser uses to perform the rhizotomy procedure.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER A RHIZOTOMY?
More than 70 percent of patients experience pain relief after this procedure. While most patients experience relief, the amount varies based on the cause of the pain and the location. Pain relief generally lasts for about six to 12 months.
Rhizotomy procedures are effective safe and have very few complications. The main side effect is some discomfort at the site of treatment that generally goes away within a few days. Follow all doctor instructions following the procedure.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A RHIZOTOMY?
If your pain subsides in response to facet block injections, you may be a good candidate for a rhizotomy.
Dr. Glaser discusses your options with you, reviews your medical history, and evaluates your overall health to be sure you can tolerate the procedure.
If you’re suffering from chronic back or neck pain, call or schedule a visit online with Dr. Glaser to discuss your symptoms and find out if this innovative technology might be the remedy you’ve been seeking.
GLASER PAIN RELIEF CENTER
INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST LOCATED IN ENCINO, CA
If your chronic pain responds well to facet nerve block therapy, you might be in line for a rhizotomy. At Glaser Pain Relief Center, top-ranked interventional pain management specialist, Jeffrey B. Glaser, MD, provides this minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps immensely with chronic neck and back pain. Call or click ‘Book Online’ to schedule an appointment today to discuss your eligibility for this innovative procedure that helps many people overcome debilitating pain conditions.
