STL Pain Management - Facet radiofrequency neurolysis, Dr. Mahendra Gunapooti MD

Radio Frequency Neurolysis of Facet Nerve

What is it about?

A Facet radiofrequency neurolysis is performed if you have pain due to disease in the facet joints of your spine. This is performed after you have had appropriate pain relief from your facet diagnostic blocks.

A Facet Radiofrequency Neurolysis is the destruction of a facet nerve in the lower lumbar region or the cervical (neck) region using radio frequency waves.

The complete procedure takes approximately half an hour depending on the number of nerves to be treated.

Before your scheduled visit/procedure

If you are taking any anticoagulant (blood thinner) medication like Coumadin, Plavix or Ticlid, please inform the physician or nurse before scheduling the procedure
You may not eat 4 hours before the procedure
You are not permitted to drive after the procedure and must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please contact the IPMS staff if you need help.
Please call the pan management service if you are running a fever, flu, have a cold or any infection.

How is it performed?

You will be placed in the same position as you were for your facet diagnostic blocks. The area will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution and the area will be numbed. The physician will use fluoroscopy (a special x-ray) to guide the placement of the needle probe to the area of the facet joint. Radio frequency (heat) waves are transmitted to lesion the involved nerve.

After Care

You may feel numbness, tingling and/or weakness in leg or arm (depending on the site of procedure). These effects usually wear off in 6-8 hours. You may resume normal daily activity the following day. Please call us if you continue to have pain or notce swelling, redness, fever or experience a new onset of weaknesss.