OUR SERVICES
Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy
Long-Term Relief for Chronic Back Pain
If you suffer from persistent lower back pain caused by arthritis or injury to the facet joints, you understand the toll it takes on your daily life. When standard treatments like physical therapy or temporary injections no longer provide relief, Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy (RFA) offers a highly effective, scientifically proven way to manage your pain. At New South Medical, we use this minimally invasive procedure to target the nerves responsible for your discomfort, helping you reclaim your quality of life.
What is Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy?
Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy—commonly known as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)—is a specialized procedure designed to "switch off" the nerves that transmit chronic pain signals from your lumbar facet joints to your brain. Using precise radiofrequency energy, our physicians create a small, targeted thermal lesion on the medial branch nerves. By disrupting these nerve pathways, we prevent the transmission of pain signals, providing significant and long-lasting relief without the need for traditional spine surgery.
Conditions We Treat
This procedure is specifically indicated for patients whose lower back pain originates from the small facet joints of the spine. We commonly recommend Lumbar RFA for patients experiencing:
Facet Joint Syndrome:
Persistent, localized lower back pain caused by inflammation of the spinal joints.
Chronic Lumbar Spondylosis:
Age-related wear and tear of the spine that leads to chronic joint stiffness and pain.
Facet Joint Arthritis:
Degeneration of the cartilage in the facet joints, often causing deep, achy back pain.
Post-Traumatic Back Pain:
Chronic pain resulting from previous injuries, such as whiplash or falls, that failed to heal with conservative care.
Our Two-Step Approach
Safety and accuracy are our top priorities. Because this treatment targets specific nerves, we follow a scientifically validated process:
Diagnostic Medial Branch Blocks: Before the neurotomy, you will undergo a diagnostic injection. We inject a local anesthetic near the suspected nerves to see if your pain is temporarily blocked. If you experience significant, temporary relief, we confirm that we have identified the correct source of your pain.
The Neurotomy Procedure: Once we confirm the diagnosis, we perform the RFA procedure. Using live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), we place a specialized needle at the target nerve and deliver radiofrequency energy to create a heat lesion, effectively stopping the nerve from transmitting pain signals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the pain relief last?
Unlike temporary injections, Lumbar RFA is intended for longer-term management. Patients often experience significant pain relief lasting from 6 to 12 months or longer. Because nerves can eventually regenerate, the procedure can be safely repeated if the pain returns.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. You may feel slight pressure during the needle placement, but most patients report minimal discomfort. We strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery is rapid. Most patients return to their normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours. You may experience some temporary soreness at the injection site, but this typically resolves quickly.
Why choose RFA over other treatments?
RFA is a highly targeted, minimally invasive alternative to surgery. It significantly reduces or eliminates your reliance on daily oral pain medications and physical therapy, providing a direct, efficient path to restoring your mobility and daily function.