Remedy Pain Solutions is proud to offer innovative, modern approaches to the management of arthritic pain. If you are not dealing with pain due to arthritis, you likely know somebody who is. While most people think of arthritis pain the knees, hips, shoulders, or hands, another very common location for arthritis to develop is within the joints of the spine. Each vertebral segment contains two small joints, called “facet joints,” which provide the spine with stability and flexibility. These joints can become inflamed or irritated, leading to back or neck pain which worsens with extension and after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Many patients describe that this pain has gone misdiagnosed for many years, but Remedy Pain Solutions is proud to offer several options to properly diagnose and alleviate these symptoms.
One of the most effective treatments for facet joint pain is Radiofrequency Ablation, also known as Rhizotomy. This is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain. Radiofrequency waves ablate, or “burn,” the nerve fibers that carry the pain signals from the facet joint to the brain. It is a procedure that is typically performed under mild sedation for comfort, and under fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance for accuracy. It is also performed on an outpatient basis which allows patients to return home the same day as the procedure. Patients who undergo radiofrequency ablation are able to report improved function, decreased need for pain medications, and a quicker return to work or other activities while avoiding surgery.
Patients suffering from recurrent back pain who have experienced relief with a nerve block injection, may be candidates for radiofrequency ablation. If you are interested in innovative, modern approaches to pain management, come in to Remedy Pain Solutions in Marina Del Rey and speak to our providers to determine if radiofrequency ablation is the right treatment for you.
