Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy

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.

Fluoroscopy

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. Moreover, 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.

You will be monitored for several minutes before you can return home.

Furthermore, 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 doctor may prescribe pain medication, rest, and instruct you to use heat or ice packs to ease the pain.

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

Additionally, 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. Additionally, A small percentage of people do not experience any pain relief from the procedure. Over time, the nerves will grow back (regenerate). Moreover, Some people will not experience pain again. If you experience pain, the procedure may be repeated.

Nevada Advanced Pain Specialists is recognized as an industry leader in pain management.

Moreover, We have a state-of-the-art facility in Reno, Nevada, that allows for us to offer the highest possible level of quality care of our patients.

Additionally, We are committed to providing a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach for each individual’s pain complaints to provide the most appropriate care. Moreover, Our approach includes analysis of biomechanics, joint motion, as well as skeletal, nerve and muscle tissues. Every individual is evaluated for the root cause of their pain – not just a “quick fix” approach to only provide symptomatic relief.

Additionally, Your pain will be evaluated with latest diagnostic tools and technologies used by the professionals at Nevada Advanced Pain Specialists to make accurate assessments including: EMG/Nerve testing, MRIs, x-rays, bone scans, and diagnostic pain injections.