 |
||
|
Back pain can be caused by many different areas in the back and spinal cord areas. Pain can result from disease, trauma, degeneration of the disc itself, or pain can result from injuries, disease, or degeneration of the ligaments that hold the spine together. Degeneration of the facet joints that allow the spine flexibility can cause severe pain and disability. When traditional methods of pain management have failed to provide adequate pain relief, radiofrequency denervation has been found to be an effective treatment. What is radiofrequency neurotomy? Radiofrequency neurotomy is the destruction of nerves by "burning" the nerve using heat generated by an electric current. By destroying the nerves, the "cause of the pain" is removed. The nerves may re-grow after 6 months to a year or so, or the destruction may be permanent. The hope is that if the nerve grows back in, it may be less irritable and result in resolution of pain; if not, the nerve may need to be re-treated. Facet joints are the joints between vertebra, present on each side of the spine. They provide flexibility to the spine which allows you to bend and turn. Each vertebra has two sets of facet joints. One pair faces upward (superior articular facet) and one downward (inferior articular facet). There is one joint on each side (right and left), facet joints are hinge-like and link vertebra together. They are located in the back of the spine. Facet joints are synovial joints. This means each joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue and produces a fluid to nourish and lubricate the joint. The joint surfaces are coated with cartilage allowing joints to move or glide smoothly against each other. What happens during the procedure? To perform this procedure initially, a patient should have had local anesthetic injections on at least two occasions. If it provides very good relief but it was short lived, then this procedure may be offered. Radiofrequency denervation is done as an outpatient or office procedure. The physician generally sedates the patient and a needle is placed through the skin until it approaches the appropriately identified area. Once the needle is positioned, and this position is checked with a fluoroscope (x-ray), a local anesthetic is injected and an electrical current is passed through an element in the tip of the needle which heats it to approximately 150 degrees. Once the nerve is destroyed, the needle is withdrawn. What happens after the procedure? After the procedure is performed, the patient is closely monitored for any complications or side effects in the recovery room for approximately 20-30 minutes. For approximately 2-4 weeks after the procedure, pain may be experienced in the involved structures as a direct result of the tissue burn. This pain resolves and successful resolution or reduction in pain levels can be expected in approximately 70% of patients treated with radiofrequency neurotomy. You were given a number of medications during the procedure. These sometimes include sedatives, narcotics, local anesthetics, steroids and other medications. Any of these drugs or the procedure itself sometimes can cause side effects, including drowsiness, temporary numbness, weakness and soreness. What to do after the procedure? Rest a few hours and use assistance if needed. Resume activity as tolerated, but do not overdo it. Resume regular diet. Restrictions: Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 12 hours. Do not make important decisions for 12-24 hours after treatment. Walk with assistance as long as numbness, weakness or drowsiness is present. Notify the office if you have: Excessive or abnormal bleeding, persistent chills or fever over 100 degrees or if there is no major change in pain pattern or level. Emergency: In case of emergency, call (954) 493-5048. If you are unable to reach the physician, report to the nearest emergency room and request them to inform the physician at Fort Lauderdale Pain Medicine. Few
other things: Resume your usual medication(s). Apply ice as instructed.
If the IV site becomes painful, place warm towels on the site for
20 minutes, 2-3 times a day. |
Where Does it Hurt? | Education | FAQ | Testimonials
Our Office is Located Just South of Holy Cross Hospital
1930 NE 47th Street, Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33308
