If neck or lower-back pain keeps returning and an evaluation points to the facet joints, radiofrequency ablation, also called rhizotomy, may be an option when conservative care hasn’t provided enough relief. At FullRange Spine & Ortho, we first work to identify the pain source because the treatment target needs to match the problem.
How Do You Know If Facet Joints Are Causing the Pain?
Facet joints are the small joints between vertebrae that help your spine bend and twist. Arthritis, degeneration, or an injury can irritate them, but facet joint pain can overlap with disc problems, muscle pain, or nerve compression.
Mayo Clinic notes that radiofrequency neurotomy may be considered for chronic back or neck pain that hasn’t improved with medication or physical therapy, and additional testing may be used to identify the nerves involved.
You may be ready for a more focused pain evaluation when:
- Neck or lower-back pain keeps returning despite conservative treatment
- Twisting, lifting, standing, or everyday movement repeatedly triggers pain
- Pain is interfering with sleep, work, exercise, or normal activity
- A diagnostic block temporarily reduced the pain your provider was trying to identify
Why Does a Diagnostic Nerve Block Matter Before Rhizotomy?
Radiofrequency ablation targets nerves that carry pain signals from the painful area. A diagnostic block can give your provider useful evidence before treating those nerves.
Cleveland Clinic explains that pain relief after a diagnostic nerve block can help show whether a particular nerve is an appropriate target for radiofrequency ablation. A good response doesn’t guarantee the same result from rhizotomy, but it can strengthen the case that the provider is targeting the right source.
What Happens During Rhizotomy Treatment?
During the procedure, a physician guides a needle toward the targeted nerve and uses radiofrequency energy to create a small lesion in the nerve tissue. The goal is to reduce its ability to carry pain signals.
FullRange offers rhizotomy treatment for facet-related neck and back pain. Dr. Roy Nini is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine and focuses on using the least invasive treatment that fits the diagnosis.
Is Rhizotomy a Permanent Fix?
No. Nerves can recover or regrow, and results vary from patient to patient. Rhizotomy also doesn’t reverse arthritis or other structural changes in the facet joints.
If pain returns, your provider can reassess the source and determine whether repeat treatment, continued conservative care, or a different approach fits your current symptoms.
FAQ
Does rhizotomy treat sciatica or a herniated disc?
Not automatically. FullRange uses rhizotomy for pain associated with facet disease. A disc problem or irritated nerve root may require a different treatment, so identifying the source comes first.
Can pain come back after rhizotomy?
Yes. The treated nerve can eventually resume carrying pain signals. If symptoms return, your provider can reassess the cause before recommending more treatment.
Ask About Radiofrequency Ablation in Los Angeles
If chronic neck and back pain keeps returning and you want a clearer answer than simply treating the latest flare, FullRange Spine & Ortho can evaluate whether facet disease is involved and whether radiofrequency ablation fits your situation. Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our greater Los Angeles locations.
Medically reviewed by Paul Chen Lee, M.D. on