Well it is off to my next step

It seems that the facet injections I had a couple of weeks ago didn't take so now it is time for the next step....Rhiziotomy!!! I am a little scared about it and asked a bunch of questions yesterday while seeing my pain doc. It seems hopeful but we will see. For those of you who do not know about this procedure here is a description.
It is also know as Radiofrequency Ablation.
Thank you to www.christianaspinecenter.com for the information.

What is radiofrequency nerve ablation?

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is the term used when radio waves are generated and used to produce heat. By generating heat around a nerve, the nerves ability to transmit pain is destroyed, thus ablating the nerve.


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What nerve is ablated?

Radiofrequency ablation is used to destroy the nerves that supply the facet joints in the spine. These joints are the small posterior joints on either side of the spine. These joints can be one source of back pain.


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How is it determined if I am a candidate for this procedure?

Prior to consideration of a radiofrequency nerve ablation procedure, the source of your pain needs to be determined by using diagnostic blocks on the various structures in the spine. Once it is established that the facet joints are causing your back pain, you may be a candidate for the actual procedure. The nerve ablation will effectively destroy the nerve fibers around the joint, which transit the pain sensation from the facet joint.


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What procedure is done for the ablation?

The technique used for the nerve ablation is similar to that used for the diagnostic blocks. A thin needle is inserted down to the region of the facet joint, which is responsible for the pain. Each joint has two nerves, which supply the joint therefore, 2 needle positions for each joint will be needed. The placement of the needle will be under x-ray guidance. Once the needle is in place you will receive a numbing medication and the radiofrequency stimulation will occur through the needle already in place. This takes approximately 90 seconds. This will be repeated at each needle site. The needle will be removed and the procedure is complete.


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What is the long-term effect of the injections?

Once the nerves which carry pain sensation from the painful joint are destroyed you should be free of the back pain you are experiencing, if it is coming from this structure. These nerves may regrow over a period of approximately 6 months. Time, physical therapy and increased muscle strength around this joint may make this joint less painful over the following 6 months so that when the nerves do regenerate you will not experience the same intensity of pain as prior to the procedure. If you have a recurrence of pain this procedure can be repeated.


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What do I do prior to the procedure?

You should allow approximately 1 to 2 hours for the procedure. You should not have taken any anti-inflammatory medication for at least 5 days prior to the injection. You will need to arrange a driver to take you home after the procedure.


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What do I do after the procedure?

You should receive some pain medications upon leaving the office. You should not experience debilitating back pain fever or chills. If this occurs you should contact the treating physician. If you have some mild increased pain this should subside over the following 10 days to two weeks. A follow up appointment will be made for you on leaving the office for 1-2 weeks after the procedure.