What is a medial branch neurotomy?
A medial branch neurotomy is a non-surgical procedure which cauterizes the nerves (through very localized heating) that allow you to feel pain caused by your facet joints. Your facet has been proven to be painful by diagnostic injection procedures, but your pain has not been reduced by other treatment methods.
Is radiofrequency neurotomy painful?
During the procedure, the patient will feel some back pain, similar to what he or she experienced before the procedure. There may also be a burning sensation on the back, similar to sunburn pain. In some patients, this pain may remain for a week or two after the procedure.
What is radiofrequency neurotomy of the medial branch nerve?
A medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy is a procedure performed on patients who are suffering from pain caused by inflammation of certain joints of the spine. When the joints are inflamed, the soft tissue of these structures swells up which compresses the nerves that surround them.
How long does a neurotomy last?
It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get the block. You can go home after the doctor watches you for about an hour. It takes 45 to 90 minutes to get a neurotomy, depending on how many nerves are heated. You will probably go home 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure.
Can medial branch block make pain worse?
The most common side effect of this procedure is simply causing more pain. A few patients report that the pain is worse after medial branch block. This also is a rare complication, fortunately, but it is a possibility. Most patients do very well with this procedure, and worsening pain is never one of our goals.
How is a neurotomy performed?
Radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat generated by radio waves to target specific nerves and temporarily turn off their ability to send pain signals. Needles inserted through the skin near the painful area deliver the radio waves to the targeted nerves.