Anyone here have this procedure done?

If so, what relief, if any, did they get from it?

Did it hurt?

We are looking into this as a possible remedy (if only short term) for my husband's neck problem.

Thanks in advance for any help that you can give us.

:)

Betty,

A neurotomy is the same as the Radio Frequency Ablation/Rhizotomy. They identify the source of pain at the facet joint nerves, then insert a super-heated needle into the nerve and burn a lesion into it, interrupting the pain signal.

The nerve will eventually grow back in 6-18 months and the procedure has to be repeated. Pain relief is generally good, if they hit the right nerves.

I had all the cervical area done. The right side is completely pain free. The left side still has pain, but that's because I have another herniated disc that is causing problems that won't be solved with the neurotomy.

Mine was not very painful, in that the doc put me totally out with short acting
anesthesia. Some docs keep you awake during the procedure. I didn't feel a thing.

PsychLea:

Thanks so much for that info. We are trying to exhaust all avenues as the Neurologist that we went to is pill and kknife happy :)

Who did yours, Ortho surgeon? Spine doc or anesteologist? (sp)

:rolleyes:

Betty,

Mine was done by an Interventional Spine Specialist. He is very knowledgeable and is managing my pain workup right now. He does not do any long term pain management, but specializes in pain control procedures. Very gentle guy. Doesn't believe in making his patients suffer while he is doing testing or procedures.