Laser Rhizotomy of the Lumbar Facet-Cervical

We have successfully used this procedure on patients who suffer from chronic low back pain, failed back surgery syndrome, facet joint arthritis, facet joint injuries, facet hypertrophy and whiplash syndromes. Facet syndrome is persistent low back pain that might be treated with some surgical interventions. Laser is widely utilized for its precision in thermocoagulation, which is the use of high-frequency electric currents to destroy tissue through heat coagulation. Some patients who experienced short lasting or no relief following radiofrequency denervation underwent laser facet joint denervation, with complete and long lasting relief. This is a minimally invasive procedure with a good to excellent success rate.

Thoracic Medial Branch

The thoracic spine is made up of twelve vertebrae joined together by facet joints, on each side of the vertebrae. Facet joints are frequent sources of lower back and neck pain. Thoracic facet pain is relatively uncommon, due to the rib cage’s stabilizing effects. Medial Branch Nerves are attached to facet joints and work to detect pain. These nerves are blocked with local anesthetics in a Medial Branch Block. If the anesthetic eliminates your pain, this indicates that the facet joint(s) are the source of your pain. If significant relief is obtained from these blocks on two occasions, then a Radiofrequency Neurotomy can provide definitive treatment.

During the procedure, you will be asked to lie on your stomach and will be made as comfortable as possible. The skin surrounding the injection area will be numbed prior to the procedure. The doctor will use an X-ray machine for guidance, to position the needle to inject a small amount of dye. If everything appears satisfactory following the dye injection, the numbing medication will be injected. This procedure will then be repeated on each individual nerve, and the location of the medial branch will appear blue on the image. You will be observed in the recovery area for about 20 minutes after the procedure, and your pain score will be recorded.

It is best to avoid sedation for the procedure as it may reduce the accuracy of the diagnostic block.

This is a very safe procedure with few risks. The most common side effect is feeling faint. Rare complications include allergic reaction to medications, bruising and infection.

If your pain is dramatically improved after two block treatments, you will become a candidate for Radiofrequency Neurotomy.

Intra Discal Therapies without Steroids

Intra Discal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a new and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of discogenic low back pain. IDET therapy acts exclusively upon the tissues and local anesthesia and mild sedation may be used to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

IDET works by heating the outer layer of the disc where the pain receptors are located. The heat alters the collagen fibers within the disc and also destroys pain receptors located there. Pain relief has been reported within a few days of the procedure and up to six months following the procedure.

Treatment of Joint Pain without Steroids

We offer multiple treatments and therapies without the use of steroids. Please call our office for more information.

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