If you’re struggling with chronic lower back pain, lumbar rhizotomy may provide the pain relief you need. At NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, we provide minimally invasive spine procedures, including endoscopic lumbar rhizotomy, to patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Here, we discuss lumbar rhizotomy and how it works for facet joint pain, along with the duration of the pain relief and whether it can be repeated.
Key Takeaways
- A lumbar rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys nerves in the lower spine and prevents them from sending pain signals to the brain.
- Lumbar rhizotomy pain relief can last anywhere from six months to a few years.
- Lumbar rhizotomy can be repeated multiple times when the nerve regenerates.
- NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers endoscopic lumbar rhizotomy for patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
What Is Lumbar Rhizotomy Radiofrequency Ablation?
A lumbar rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat, typically from radiofrequency ablation (RFA), to destroy certain nerves in the lumbar spine (lower back). It prevents them from sending pain signals to the brain, offering long-lasting relief for chronic lower back pain. It is often used for patients experiencing facet joint pain, or pain caused by inflammation in the facet joints that connect vertebrae.
Lumbar rhizotomy radiofrequency ablation is typically used to target the medial branch nerves in the lower back. It creates a temporary nerve lesion that results in localized nerve protein coagulation and disruption, stopping pain signals.
Who Is a Candidate for Lumbar Rhizotomy?
Lumbar rhizotomy is often used as an alternative to surgical treatment for facet or lower back pain. Candidates for this procedure include people who:
- Have been dealing with chronic back pain for six weeks or more
- Haven’t gotten relief from conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or joint injections
- Are diagnosed with facet joint syndrome, spinal osteoarthritis (spondylosis), or degenerative joint disease
- Have experienced short-term pain relief from diagnostic medial branch nerve blocks
The best indicator that a person is a candidate for lumbar rhizotomy is a positive response to a medial branch block or facet joint injection. If they experience at least 50% reduction in pain, it suggests that the correct nerves are being targeted and will likely respond to RFA.
How Is Lumbar Rhizotomy Performed?
At NU-Spine, lumbar rhizotomies are performed endoscopically, which means they are done using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light. This allows the surgeon to do the procedure without large incisions, making it a minimally invasive surgery option. The process typically involves the surgeon:
- Making a tiny incision near the target section of the lower back
- Using a set of retractors to gently pull apart soft tissue and create a path to the problematic nerve
- Inserting the endoscope into the opening to provide a real-time video feed and guide the surgeon toward the correct nerve
- Using radiofrequency ablation to sever the nerve fibers
- Removing the tools and closing the incision
This procedure generally takes less than an hour, and patients can go home after they wake up from the anesthesia.
How Long Does Lumbar Rhizotomy Relief Last?
Pain relief from a lumbar rhizotomy can last anywhere from three to five years. Since endoscopic rhizotomy uses a camera for direct visualization, the surgeon can cut or burn the nerve precisely, allowing for more accurate, longer-lasting pain relief. Traditional RFA that uses needles often provides pain relief for six to 12 months, while endoscopic rhizotomy can physically sever the nerve and lead to more long-term pain relief.
When and How Often Can Rhizotomy Be Repeated?
Lumbar rhizotomy can be repeated every six to 12 months or as needed once a patient’s nerves regenerate and pain returns. There is no set limit on the number of times it can be performed. A rhizotomy can continue to be given if it remains effective for treating chronic pain. However, some signs that a repeat rhizotomy may not be effective include if the source of the pain has changed, the initial diagnostic blocks were inaccurate, or the nerves did not fully regenerate.
Find Back Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida
If you’re curious whether lumbar rhizotomy can provide the pain relief you need, transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We provide the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments, including endoscopic lumbar rhizotomy. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania locations.
Lumbar Rhizotomy FAQ
How do I know if my back pain is coming from facet joints?
To confirm that your back pain is coming from the facet joints, a medial nerve block is often used. It involves injecting a numbing medication into the small nerves surrounding the joint. If pain relief occurs, the facet joints are likely the cause of the pain.
Are there risks or side effects to be aware of with lumbar rhizotomy?
The procedure is generally safe. However, there are some risks, such as temporary numbness, infection, bleeding, and increased pain at the injection site.
What are other pain relief options if rhizotomy does not work?
If a rhizotomy doesn’t provide effective pain relief, other treatment options include specialized injections, neuromodulation therapies, physical therapy, and even surgery in certain cases.
What conditions can lumbar rhizotomy help treat?
Lumbar rhizotomy may help relieve chronic lower back pain related to lumbar myelopathy, lumbar radiculopathy, lumbar stenosis, pinched lumbar nerves, lumbar spondylosis, and other lower spine conditions involving nerve pain.
Will I be asleep during endoscopic lumbar rhizotomy?
Endoscopic lumbar rhizotomy is most often performed under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep while the procedure is completed. We review anesthesia and procedure details with you before treatment.
How soon can I go home after lumbar rhizotomy?
Endoscopic lumbar rhizotomy usually takes less than an hour. Afterward, you recover as the anesthesia wears off, and you can typically go home once you are awake and our nurses confirm the procedure was successful.