Radiofrequency Procedures

Radiofrequency Procedures

Radiofrequency procedures used to treat spine pain go by a number of different terms: radiofrequency neurotomy, radiofrequency ablation, rhizotomy, and joint neurotomy. Radiofrequency ablation is a favourable term that may be used to discuss these treatments as a whole.

A radiofrequency ablation is a non-surgical procedure, which purposefully damages the nerves (through very localized heating) that allow you to feel pain caused by your injured spinal structures (facet joints, sacroiliac joints, discs). The ablation theoretically prevents the pain signal from traveling through these nerves (from your joints to your brain) so you can't feel or sense your injured and/or diseased spinal structure.

During the procedure, the physician guides a needle with an electrode at its tip to the nerves pathway. The needle is guided with real-time, moving X-rays (fluoroscopy) displayed on a video screen. The procedure helps the doctor place the needle at the exact site of the nerve. Then mild, painless radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat) is transmitted to the pathway. This destroys carefully selected nerve fibres in a very small area (5-10 mm). That stops the area from conducting the sensory impulses that caused your back or neck pain.
Currently three painful spinal conditions may be treated with radiofrequency ablation:

• Facet Joint – Radiofrequency Neurotomy
• Sacroiliac Joint – Sacroiliac Joint Neurotomy
• Intervertebral Discs – Intradiscal Modulation