Relieving Pain. Restoring Hope.

Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy

About the treatment

Cervical Facet radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat to create a lesion (damaged area) on the medial nerve.  The lesion impairs the medial nerve’s ability to transmit signals about facet joint pain.  Because the nerve is “turned off,” pain is not felt.

A cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy is an outpatient procedure.  You will wear a gown for the procedure and be positioned lying face down on a table.  You will receive relaxation medicine before your procedure begins.  The back of your neck will be sterilized and numbed with an anesthetic medication.

Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy in St. George, Utah

Your doctor will use a live X-ray image (fluoroscopy) to carefully insert and guide a needle-like tube (cannula) to the affected medial nerve.  A small needle-like electrode (radiofrequency electrode) is inserted through the cannula.  To ensure the cannula is in the correct position, a very mild electrical current is delivered through the electrode to the nerve.  The nerve will briefly conduct pain signals and cause a muscle twitch, confirming that the correct nerve is targeted.  Next, numbing medication is provided to the nerve in preparation for the treatment.  Heat is delivered through the electrode to the nerve.  The heat creates a lesion on the nerve.  The heat disrupts the nerve’s ability to send signals about pain.  At the end of the procedure, the cannula and electrode are removed. The process can be repeated for additional nerves that require treatment.

After the treatment

You will be monitored for several minutes before you can return home. You should have another person drive you home because you received sedation. Use care while resuming your regular activities over the next several days because your neck or back will feel sore. Your Desert Pain Specialists provider may prescribe pain medication, rest, and instruct you to use heat or ice packs to ease the pain.

It usually takes three to four weeks for the treated nerves to completely die. During this period, your neck may feel weak. You may experience pain until the treated nerves are dead.

Cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy typically results in pain relief for about 9 to 14 months or longer. About 50% of people experience pain relief for as much as two years. A small percentage of people do not experience any pain relief from the procedure. Over time, the nerves will grow back (regenerate). Some people will not experience pain again. If you experience pain, contact your Desert Pain Specialists provider to discuss your options to repeat the treatment. Watch this education video to learn more.

Treatment

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