What is radiofrequency denervation?
Radiofrequency denervation, also known as rhizolysis or rhizotomy, consists mainly of a process that is recommended by the units in charge of pain treatment to achieve medium and, especially, long-term improvement in lumbar, cervical or dorsal pain, i.e. low back pain, cervical pain and/or dorsalgia.
Radiofrequency denervation is presented as an alternative treatment to treat all pain related to the neck and lower back.
Denervation is carried out through the use of radio waves that, by means of heat energy, destroy the nerves that are located around the spine and that cause pain to the patient.
Why is radiofrequency denervation performed?
The treatment is carried out in order to stop and end a neck or back pain that has remained latent for more than a month. Sometimes, the pain cannot be directly eliminated, but it can be reduced or reduced in intensity.
This treatment can help combat pain that is generated by natural wear and tear, back injuries, disc injuries or wear and tear, or arthritis, among other problems.
Denervation is only used when other drug and physical therapy treatments have failed.
Radiofrequency denervation solves problems such as dorsalgia, cervicalgia or low back pain.
Retrieved from Injury Map
What is radiofrequency denervation?
Denervation or rhizolysis is performed in a medical center, to which the patient will go as normal.
Once at the medical center, the patient will lie face down. Once the patient is lying down, he/she will be numbed in the area to be treated so that he/she relaxes. Subsequently, a small thin tube will be inserted into the spine over the neck or lower back.
With the help of an X-ray machine called a fluoroscope, the specialist will be able to guide the tube to the correct spot.
When the tube reaches its target, a wire is inserted through the tube. This wire is connected to a machine that generates radio waves, which heat and eventually eliminate the nerve. Sometimes it is necessary to treat more than one nerve in order to reduce the intensity of the pain.
There are cases in which the patient feels even more pain after the procedure than before starting it. However, this pain should disappear in an estimated time of one to three weeks, with the feeling of relief remaining for at least several months.
However, the nerve will most likely grow back, although it will not generate as much pain as before undergoing treatment.
Preparation for radiofrequency denervation
Denervation is performed at the same time as other more conservative treatments based on the intake of drugs and medications together – or not – with occupational therapies and physiotherapy exercises.
The patient does not need any special preparation for the test, he/she should simply be aware of the intervention he/she will undergo and its possible risks.
Care after radiofrequency denervation
The intervention process should not exceed a quarter of an hour, and in most cases the patient can lead a normal life practically from the first day, just needing a simple rest.
However, it is possible that the pain sensation may continue for one or two weeks before it begins to disappear, improving the patient’s quality of life. In fact, a significant percentage of patients do not notice the benefits of denervation until one or two weeks have passed. On some occasions, the patient may notice some tingling in the area when he/she has left the operating room.
Alternatives to radiofrequency denervation
Rhizolysis or denervation is in itself an alternative to treat cervical or lumbar pain when other methods have failed, such as occupational therapy exercises and physiotherapy together with other treatments based on drugs and medications recommended by the specialist.
Radiofrequency denervation is presented as a valid alternative treatment.