Rhizotomy (Radio Frequency Ablation) in Dallas

What is a Rhizotomy

A rhizotomy is a surgical procedure used to sever nerve roots in the spinal cord to relieve pain or muscle spasms. It is often performed to treat conditions such as chronic back pain or trigeminal neuralgia, by interrupting the pain signals traveling through the affected nerves.

Types of Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)

Here are the types of radio-frequency ablation (RFA) treatments commonly used:

Glycerin/Glycerol Rhizotomy. This procedure involves injecting glycerin into the affected nerve root, which damages the nerve and interrupts pain signals. It is often used for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.
Radiofrequency Rhizotomy. In this RFA procedure, heat generated by radio waves is applied to the targeted nerve, disrupting pain signals from reaching the brain. It is commonly used for chronic back pain and neck pain.
Endoscopic Rhizotomy. This minimally invasive procedure uses an endoscope to visualize the nerve, allowing for precise severing or disruption of the nerve responsible for chronic pain. It provides relief for patients who have not found success with other treatments.

These procedures aim to block pain at the source, offering relief for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.

RFA Procedure Details

Here’s a step-by-step overview of a typical radio frequency ablation surgery:

Preparation. You’ll lie on an examination table in a pain management clinic, and the area where the rhizotomy procedure will be performed is cleaned. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin.
Needle Insertion. Using fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray), the doctor inserts a thin needle near the nerves that are causing pain.
Electrode Placement. A small electrode is inserted through the needle to test the correct placement. The doctor may ask if you feel a slight tingling.
Ablation. Once confirmed, radiofrequency energy is applied through the electrode, generating heat that disrupts the targeted nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.
Completion. The needle and electrode are removed, and the injection site is bandaged.
Rhizotomy Aftercare. You’re monitored for a short time and can usually return home the same day, with minimal recovery needed. Pain relief is often felt within a few days and can last for several months.

What Conditions can be Treated with Rhizotomy

Rhizotomy is commonly used to treat conditions involving chronic nerve pain and muscle spasms. It is especially effective for disorders where traditional pain management methods have failed. By severing or disabling specific nerve roots, rhizotomy can provide long-lasting pain relief.

How Does Rhizotomy for Back Pain Work

Rhizotomy surgery for back pain works by targeting the nerves that transmit pain signals from the spine to the brain. During the procedure, specific nerve roots are either severed or disrupted to prevent these signals from reaching the brain, providing significant pain relief. One common type of rhizotomy is radio frequency ablation for back pain, where heat generated by radio waves is applied to the affected nerves. This minimally invasive method disrupts the nerves responsible for chronic pain without affecting nearby healthy tissue.

A lumbar rhizotomy is typically performed to treat chronic lower back pain by disabling the nerve roots in the lumbar spine. Regular lumbar rhizotomy procedure may be needed, as nerves can regenerate over time.

Rhizotomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment

Rhizotomy is a common procedure used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe facial pain caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve. During this procedure, a surgeon disables specific nerve fibers to interrupt the pain signals. One method, radio frequency nerve ablation, uses heat generated by radio waves to selectively damage the affected nerve. A cervical rhizotomy may also be performed when the pain is in the neck region or related to upper cervical nerves. Additionally, a rhizotomy injection can be used to inject a chemical agent like glycerol directly into the nerve root, further reducing pain transmission.

Rhizotomy for Sciatica Treatment

Rhizotomy ablation is an effective treatment option for sciatica, a condition where the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, causing pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. During the procedure, specific nerve roots responsible for transmitting pain signals from the sciatic nerve are targeted and disrupted. This reduces or eliminates the pain caused by the nerve irritation. One common method is radio frequency ablation, where heat generated by radio waves is applied to the nerve to block pain signals. A radio frequency ablation doctor performs this minimally invasive procedure under imaging guidance. It can provide long-lasting relief for patients who haven’t responded well to medications or physical therapy.

Radio Frequency Ablation for Spinal Stenosis and How does it Work

Radio frequency ablation (RFA) for spinal stenosis is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic back pain caused by narrowing of the spinal canal. The radio frequency ablation procedure works by using heat generated from radio waves to target specific nerves that are transmitting pain signals. The heat destroys or disrupts the nerves, effectively blocking pain transmission to the brain.

In cases of bilateral rhizotomy, where pain is felt on both sides of the spine, RFA can be performed on both sides of the affected nerve roots. The precision of the radiofrequency rhizotomy ensures that only the problematic nerves are affected, leaving other tissues intact. This procedure offers long-lasting pain relief for patients with spinal stenosis and can be repeated if necessary.

How does Radiofrequency Ablation Work with Other Treatments?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can effectively complement other treatments to provide long-lasting pain relief. For instance, RFA is often used in combination with physical therapy, where the pain reduction from RFA enables patients to participate more fully in rehabilitation exercises. It can also work well with treatments like SI joint fusion, where RFA helps manage post-operative pain by targeting nerves responsible for transmitting discomfort.

Additionally, RFA can be combined with pain medications, allowing patients to reduce their medication dosage over time. For patients with chronic conditions such as arthritis, RFA can work alongside other pain management strategies, such as nerve blocks or joint injections, providing better pain control.

What Are the Benefits vs. Risks of a Rhizotomy Surgery?

While it can provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life for patients, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the potential risks before considering this surgery. Understanding both aspects will help in making an informed decision.

Benefits of an Radio Frequency Ablation

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Long-Lasting Pain Relief. RFA provides significant, long-term pain relief by targeting and disabling specific nerves responsible for chronic pain, with effects lasting several months to years.

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Minimally Invasive. The procedure is performed through a small needle puncture, reducing the need for surgery and allowing for quicker recovery times.

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Improved Mobility. By reducing pain, patients often experience improved mobility, allowing them to perform daily activities more comfortably.

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Reduced Dependence on Medications. RFA can decrease the need for long-term use of pain medications, minimizing the risk of side effects associated with drugs.

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Outpatient Procedure. The procedure is typically done in a clinic, and patients can go home the same day with minimal downtime.

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Targeted Treatment. Radiofrequency rhizotomy precisely targets the affected nerves, reducing pain without affecting surrounding healthy tissues or nerves.

Possible Rhizotomy side effects

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Temporary Pain or Soreness. Patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days.

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Nerve Damage. Although rare, damage to nearby nerves can occur, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the treated area.

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Infection. As with any procedure that breaks the skin, there is a slight risk of infection at the treatment site.

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Muscle Weakness. Some patients may experience temporary muscle weakness, particularly if the procedure affects motor nerves, like spinal rhizotomy.

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Allergic Reaction. There’s a low chance of an allergic reaction to the medications or local anesthetic used during the procedure.

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Changes in Sensation. Some patients may experience altered sensations, such as increased sensitivity or decreased feeling in the treated area.

Patients should discuss these risks with their doctor to determine if rhizotomy is the best treatment option for their condition.

Choose Us for Rhizotomy Procedure in Dallas, TX

At Foundation Pain & Spine Pain Management Clinic in Dallas, TX, we specialize in advanced procedures like rhizotomy to provide long-lasting pain relief. Led by MD and Founder, Dr. Thompson, our clinic offers expert care personalized to fit your specific needs.

Rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is highly effective for patients with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. Our clinic combines the best techniques with personalized care, so each patient receives the attention they deserve. If you’re struggling with persistent pain, our team is here to help improve your life.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your way to a lasting relief with a trusted team of experts in pain management.

Our Insurance Partners

At Foundation Pain & Spine, Dr. Thompson and his team are here to help patients find relief from pain. Effective pain relief starts with a pain specialist and Dr. Thompson is here for you.

What Clients Say About Us

      
   Foundation Pain & Spine PLLC
   52 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tom 
 2024-07-09
 
 
  Started seeing Justin with level 8 pain for decades. Was told major back surgery was my only option to relieve it. I am not a surgicsl candidate due to fatal allergy to anesthesia. Dr. Thompson put in an intrathecal pain pump using alternate anesthesia. My pain levels now are 5-6! Major relief. I now can walk shoet distances and make my way through the grocery store. I am so grateful.  He is attentive and listens to the patient and includes them in treatments.  Clinic staff is excellent also. I am blessed to have been referred to him.  Incredible clinic.
  
 
       
   Trish Cross 
 2024-05-03
 
 
  Very caring, understanding and professional.
  
 
       
   Paul Terrell 
 2024-04-12
 
 
  Excellent physician who truly care for the well being of his patients. He has gone out of his way to accommodate my everchanging needs on more than one occasion. Navigating life after an injury that left me disabled has been more than challenging but I am confident I will get through it with Dr Thompson in my corner.
  
 
       
   Renee Cooper 
 2023-10-20
 
 
  Dr. Thompson is the first doctor to manage my pain, he's a great doctor that actually listens and evaluate your opinions. My case is complicated but he's been a great help.
  
 
       
   Skyler Karins 
 2022-05-19
 
 
  Two weeks ago I was helping a family lay sod grass and the next day I started to experience hip, leg, and foot pain. I was just taking over the counter pain relief for 2 weeks, but the pain just continued to get worse. I scheduled an appointment and Dr. Thompson was able to see me the same day. He did a great job of assessing my pain and doing a thorough exam on where my pain might be generating from. He prescribed me two pain medications that have me feeling back to my normal self. Words can’t describe the happiness I feel to be back to normal. Thank you Dr. Thompson for helping me get back to a better quality of life.
  
 
       
   KidFink 13 
 2022-05-01
 
 
  Most of the reviews you see may not be authentic. The first appointment he seemed to care and listen to my problems being a paraplegic and my surgery I had coming up needing a pain doctor to take over my post surgery pain medication. He mentioned a procedure to look into that he could do also gave me a lower dosage of what I had been taking for the past 2 years so I was in agony for 15 days I went through 2 or 3 appointments each with a gap of 15 days and did not raise my dosage and sent me to get an MRI. There were a lot of people there to get procedures done I didn’t think much of it at first until I went back to talk about why he gave me an MRI.  Told me that I’m a good candidate and we should move forward with the procedure that I did not agree on. I said I am not comfortable with it and told me, that I am not a good match for his care and I should find someone else. Reminded him that I need a pain management doctor for surgery. Post surgery the doctors at the hospital tried to contact his office multiple times multiple days with no answer. So they had to send in a prescription and released me. I had to get in contact with him to finally get a script. So if you are having surgery and or not comfortable with going through a procedure I would not recommend because that’s all he does is procedures and does not like to prescribe pain medication when it says in his description that he does. I have my own opinion on why he only wants to do procedures but that’s not here nor there. I am only writing this as a warning for other people in my position. Wish you well and my have a better experience than I do.
  
 
       
   Ashley Grissom 
 2022-04-06
 
 
  It is a great office it's just very hard to get in contact with anybody by making an appointment or calling!

Frequently Questions About Rhizotomy

What is a Rhizotomy?

A rhizotomy is a procedure that targets and disrupts specific nerve roots in the spine to relieve pain, often used to treat chronic back pain and radicular pain.

How does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

Radiofrequency ablation works by using radiofrequency energy to generate heat, which is applied to specific nerves to interrupt pain signals and provide long-lasting relief.

How Many Times can You Have a Rhizotomy?

The number of times you can have a rhizotomy depends on individual factors and the specific condition being treated. Your doctor will evaluate your case and recommend the appropriate treatment frequency.

How Long does a Rhizotomy Last?

The effects of a rhizotomy typically last from several months to a few years, depending on the individual’s response and the specific nature of the pain being treated.

How Painful is a Rhizotomy?

A rhizotomy may cause some discomfort or pain during and after the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated. Local anesthesia is used to minimize pain, and any post-procedure discomfort can usually be managed with medication.

Author

Dr. Justin Thompson

Dr. Justin H. Thompson, MD, is the founder and CEO of Foundation Pain & Spine. A native Texan and graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dr. Thompson specializes in pain management. With advanced training from Baylor University and Virginia Commonwealth University, he offers innovative, personalized treatments to help patients overcome chronic pain and restore their quality of life.
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