Overview
During this minimally-invasive procedure, the physician uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your neck. This procedure is also called radiofrequency rhizotomy. It can treat pain that doesn’t respond to medications or to physical therapy.
Is it right for me?
If you are experiencing neck, head, shoulder, or arm pain caused by conditions such as cervical degenerative disc disease or cervical facet joint syndrome.
What is the procedure like?
During the procedure, patients are injected with a local anesthetic. Once numb, the site is injected with a contrast dye in order to allow the provider to guide a radiofrequency electrode into the spine. The electrode cauterizes the nerve, and prevents it from sending further signals to the brain.
What happens after the procedure?
Patients may experience some discomfort for a few days following the procedure. Many patients are able to resume normal activity 2 days after the procedure.