[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/rhizotomy-vs-spinal-cord-stimulation-for-chronic-back-pain\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/rhizotomy-vs-spinal-cord-stimulation-for-chronic-back-pain\/","headline":"Rhizotomy vs. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Back Pain","name":"Rhizotomy vs. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Back Pain","description":"Patients dealing with chronic back pain can find relief through non-invasive methods like rhizotomy and spinal cord stimulation, but which is the better option? NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides minimally invasive spine procedures, including rhizotomy\u00a0and spinal cord stimulation\u00a0implants, to patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Here, we compare rhizotomy and spinal […]","datePublished":"2026-06-08","dateModified":"2026-06-08","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/author\/seoaccounts\/#Person","name":"Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD","url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/author\/seoaccounts\/","identifier":11,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/new.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/new.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multiple-spinal-x-rays-mounted-onto-wall.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multiple-spinal-x-rays-mounted-onto-wall.jpg","height":1394,"width":2151},"url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/rhizotomy-vs-spinal-cord-stimulation-for-chronic-back-pain\/","about":["Miscelleanous"],"wordCount":896,"articleBody":"Patients dealing with chronic back pain can find relief through non-invasive methods like rhizotomy and spinal cord stimulation, but which is the better option? NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides minimally invasive spine procedures, including rhizotomy\u00a0and spinal cord stimulation\u00a0implants, to patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Here, we compare rhizotomy and spinal cord stimulation for treating chronic back pain, including the benefits, risks, and recovery timelines.Key TakeawaysBoth rhizotomies and spinal cord stimulation are used to treat chronic back pain.Pain-causing conditions such as arthritis, facet joint syndrome, failed back surgery syndrome, and radiculopathy can be treated with rhizotomy or spinal cord stimulation.A rhizotomy stops nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, while a spinal cord stimulator generates mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals that move between the spinal cord and the brain.What Are Some Chronic Back Pain Causes That May Respond to Interventional Procedures?Chronic back pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions, but not all conditions can be treated with interventional procedures. However, some causes that may respond well to procedures like rhizotomies and spinal cord stimulation include:Degenerative spine conditions such as arthritis or facet joint syndromeFailed back surgery syndromeNerve pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosisRadiculopathyInterventional procedures like rhizotomies and spinal cord stimulation are typically used when more conservative methods, such as physical therapy or pain management, haven\u2019t provided effective pain relief.How Does Rhizotomy Treat Chronic Back Pain?A rhizotomy\u00a0is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat, generally via radiofrequency ablation, to destroy specific nerves in the spine. This stops them from sending pain signals to the brain, providing pain relief that can last anywhere from six months to a few years. A rhizotomy can be used for patients with facet joint pain, arthritis, or degenerative joint disease.At NU-Spine, rhizotomies are performed endoscopically, which involves an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to do the procedure without large incisions. The surgeon will insert the endoscope and use the real-time video feed it provides to identify the correct nerve. Then, he will use radiofrequency ablation to sever the nerve fibers, preventing them from sending pain signals to the brain.Pain relief from an endoscopic rhizotomy can last even longer than a traditional rhizotomy, with many patients getting relief for three to five years. The procedure can be repeated when the nerve regenerates and the pain returns.How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?Spinal cord stimulation surgery\u00a0involves the implantation of a temporary or permanent spinal cord stimulator (SCS) near the spine. This device generates mild electrical impulses to interfere with pain signals moving between the spinal cord and the brain. It is an ideal option for patients with chronic nerve-related pain caused by complex regional pain syndrome, failed back surgery syndrome, lumbar stenosis, post-laminectomy syndrome, and other similar conditions.Typically, a temporary SCS is implanted before a permanent SCS is placed to ensure it will provide effective pain relief. If the patient has at least a 50% reduction in pain, the permanent stimulator is implanted. To do so, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back and uses guidance from a live computed tomography (CT) scan to guide the placement of electrodes. The lead wire is placed in the epidural space near the spine, and the neurotransmitter is positioned under the skin. After ensuring the device is connected and running, the surgeon closes the incision.Spinal cord stimulators have remote controls that let patients adjust the stimulation level. The pain relief is designed to last for several years. SCSs can be either non-rechargeable or rechargeable. Non-rechargeable units need to be replaced every two to five years, while rechargeable models can last anywhere from nine to 15+ years.Find Chronic Back Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and FloridaIf you\u2019re deciding between a rhizotomy and spinal cord stimulation for your chronic back pain, turn to NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute for guidance. Our board-certified surgeons provide a thorough evaluation process and personalized plans for treating complex chronic back pain. They also have experience with both rhizotomy and spinal cord stimulation.Transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Contact us\u00a0today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania locations. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.Spine Procedure FAQIs the recovery time shorter for rhizotomy or spinal cord stimulation?Rhizotomy typically has a shorter, faster, and easier recovery time compared to spinal cord stimulation. Rhizotomy patients can return to work within a few days, while patients with SCSs have a longer healing process of six to eight weeks for a full recovery.Do spinal cord stimulators need to be replaced?Yes, spinal cord stimulators generally need to be replaced or repaired when the battery dies or malfunctions.\u00a0For non-rechargeable units, the replacement is typically every two to five years. For rechargeable units, the battery usually lasts around 10 years.How many times can a rhizotomy be repeated?There is no set limit for how many times a rhizotomy can be repeated. As long as it provides effective pain relief, it can be repeated."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Rhizotomy vs. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Back Pain","item":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/rhizotomy-vs-spinal-cord-stimulation-for-chronic-back-pain\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]