Targeted Pain Relief for Chronic Back Pain
Radiofrequency neurotomy—also known as facet rhizotomy, neurotomy, or radiofrequency ablation—is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve chronic facet joint pain in the lower back. This advanced technique involves using radiofrequency energy to interrupt the nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain from the spine’s facet joints.
Before a radiofrequency neurotomy is performed, a diagnostic nerve block (medial branch block) is conducted to confirm that the pain originates from the facet joints. If two separate blocks provide short-term relief, the patient may be a candidate for this long-lasting treatment.
The goal of radiofrequency neurotomy is to deactivate the medial branch nerves that supply the painful facet joints. The result can be significant, long-term pain relief without the need for surgery or ongoing medication.
