Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Lumbar Facets
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Are you seeking relief from chronic lower back pain that seems to persist despite traditional treatments? Look no further than Advanced Spine Center, where we offer lumbar radiofrequency ablation—a minimally invasive procedure designed to target and alleviate the source of your chronic pain.
Led by our team of experienced orthopedic spine surgeons in Plano, our clinic specializes in advanced techniques that prioritize patient comfort and long-term relief. Discover how lumbar radiofrequency ablation could be the solution you’ve been searching for to regain control over your daily activities and quality of life. To schedule an appointment with our team, call our office at 972-499-5457 today.
What Are the Lumbar Facet Joints?
The lumbar facet joints, also known as zygapophysial joints, are small joints located at the back of the spine between adjacent vertebrae. These joints play a crucial role in supporting the spine’s stability and facilitating movement. Each facet joint is innervated by small nerves called medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
Over time, these joints can degenerate or become inflamed, leading to chronic lower back pain. Medial branch nerves are often targeted in procedures like lumbar radiofrequency ablation to alleviate pain by disrupting their ability to transmit pain signals.
What Is Lumbar Facet Joint Pain and What Causes It?
Lumbar facet pain refers to discomfort or irritation experienced in the small joints located at the back of the spine, known as facet joints. These joints facilitate movement and provide stability to the spine. When facet joints degenerate or become inflamed due to factors such as aging, injury, or repetitive stress, they can cause pain in the lower back region. The pain may be localized to the lower back or may radiate to the buttocks, hips, or thighs.
Common causes of lumbar facet joint pain include osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and facet joint hypertrophy. Osteoarthritis leads to the breakdown of cartilage within the facet joints, resulting in friction and inflammation. Degenerative disc disease can cause changes in spinal alignment, putting additional stress on the facet joints.
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, can compress nerves and exacerbate facet joint pain. Facet joint hypertrophy, characterized by the enlargement of facet joints, can lead to compression of nearby nerves and increased pain.
What Is Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Lumbar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to alleviate chronic lower back pain caused by conditions such as facet joint arthritis or injury. During the procedure, a specialized needle is inserted near the affected medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
Using thermal energy generated by radiofrequency waves, the nerves are heated, disrupting their ability to transmit pain signals. This effectively reduces pain and improves mobility in the targeted area. Lumbar RFA offers long-lasting relief for patients who have not found success with conservative treatments, providing a valuable option for managing chronic back pain.
What Conditions Can Lumbar RFA Treat?
Lumbar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is primarily used to treat chronic low back pain stemming from various conditions affecting the lumbar facet joints. These conditions include facet joint arthritis, also known as facet joint osteoarthritis, which involves the degeneration of cartilage within the facet joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
Additionally, lumbar RFA can achieve pain relief caused by facet joint hypertrophy, characterized by the enlargement of facet joints due to increased stress or aging, which can compress nearby nerves and result in discomfort.
Lumbar RFA is often recommended for patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome, a condition marked by persistent pain and stiffness in the lower back region due to facet joint dysfunction or inflammation.
By targeting the medial branch nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints, RFA provides significant relief for individuals suffering from these conditions, restoring mobility and enhancing overall quality of life.
How Can Patients Prepare for Lumbar Ablation?
To prepare for lumbar radiofrequency ablation (RFA), patients should first consult with their healthcare provider to ensure the procedure is suitable for their condition. Before the scheduled RFA, patients may be advised to refrain from eating or drinking for a certain period, typically starting the night before the procedure.
It’s crucial to follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare team regarding medications, as some may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued prior to the procedure. Common examples of these include blood thinning medications.
Additionally, patients should arrange for transportation to and from the clinic or hospital, as they may experience temporary discomfort or sedation following the procedure, which can impair their ability to drive.
Bringing a list of current medications, discussing any allergies or medical conditions with the healthcare provider, and wearing comfortable clothing can also contribute to a smoother preparation process for lumbar RFA.
Lumbar Ablation Procedure
During this minimally invasive procedure, the physician uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your lower back. This procedure is also called radiofrequency rhizotomy. It can treat pain that doesn’t respond to medications or to physical therapy.
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, you lie on your stomach. You are given medicine to make you feel relaxed. The skin and tissue of your back is numbed.
Inserting the Cannula
The physician inserts a tube called a “cannula.” A video x-ray device called a “fluoroscope” helps guide the cannula to the medial and lateral branch nerves in your spine. These tiny nerves carry pain signals from your facet joints to your brain.
Treating the Nerves
The physician inserts an electrode through the cannula. A weak electric jolt is used to test its position. If the jolt recreates the pain but does not cause any other muscular effects, it is positioned correctly. Then the physician uses the electrode to heat the nerve. This disrupts its ability to transmit a pain signal. Several nerves may be treated if necessary.
End of Procedure
When the procedure is complete, the electrode and cannula are removed. A small bandage is placed on your skin. You will be monitored for a brief time before you are allowed to go home. Your injection site may feel sore after the procedure, and you may still have back pain. If the correct nerves were treated, you will gradually experience pain relief as you heal. This may take several weeks. Your relief may last for several months.
What Happens After Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation?
After lumbar radiofrequency ablation (RFA), patients may experience some mild discomfort or soreness at the site of the procedure for a few days. This is normal and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs applied to the area.
It’s essential for patients to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare provider, which may include avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period and gradually resuming normal activities as tolerated.
In the days and weeks following lumbar RFA, patients often experience a gradual reduction in pain as the targeted nerves stop sending pain signals. It’s common for patients to notice significant improvement in their symptoms within two to three weeks after the procedure. However, individual experiences may vary, and some patients may require additional treatments or physical therapy to achieve optimal pain relief.
Lumbar Ablation Recovery Time
In general, many patients experience mild discomfort or soreness at the procedure site for a few days following RFA. This discomfort typically resolves within a week, and patients can often resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. Some patients may notice immediate pain relief after lumbar RFA. However, it’s common for the full effects to develop gradually over the course of several weeks.
Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation Side Effects
Side effects and complications are rare, but it’s still important to understand these potential risks before undergoing the procedure. Potential side effects of lumbar radiofrequency ablation include the following.
- Temporary soreness or pain at the procedure site
- Swelling or bruising
- Mild numbness or tingling sensations
- Temporary increase in pain before pain relief sets in
- Rarely, infection or nerve damage
- Allergic reaction to medications or materials used during the procedure
Some pain is normal after the procedure, but severe pain is abnormal. If you experience abnormal pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation Success Rate
The success rate of radiofrequency ablation depends on many factors. These factors include the condition being treated, patient factors, and the provider’s skill. Success rates can be as high as 80%, with many patients getting long-lasting relief from chronic lower back pain.
How Long Does Lumbar Ablation Provide Relief?
Some individuals experience significant and long-lasting pain relief for several months to years following the procedure. However, the effectiveness of RFA may diminish over time as nerves regenerate, leading to a recurrence of symptoms. In some cases, patients may require repeat RFA procedures or additional treatments to maintain pain relief.
What Happens if Nerve Ablation Doesn’t Work?
In some cases, radiofrequency ablation requires repeated procedures. However, if these treatments provide no relief, it may be time to consider other treatment options. If all conservative treatment options have been exhausted, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Low Back Pain Solutions Today
As you navigate your journey toward finding relief from chronic lower back pain, Advanced Spine Center is committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs. Lumbar radiofrequency ablation offers a minimally invasive and highly effective solution for many patients seeking long-lasting relief from debilitating pain.
Our experienced team of orthopedic spine surgeons utilizes advanced techniques to target the source of your discomfort, restoring mobility and enhancing your quality of life. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a pain-free future, schedule a consultation with us today to explore whether lumbar radiofrequency ablation is the right option for you. Experience the difference with Advanced Spine Center—where your well-being is our priority.
