At Gerling Spine Care NJ, we specialize in rhizotomy, an effective treatment designed to provide long-term relief for patients dealing with chronic neck or back pain. This minimally invasive procedure targets specific nerve roots responsible for transmitting pain signals, offering patients a chance to regain mobility and function when traditional pain management methods, such as medication or physical therapy, have proven ineffective. Led by Dr. Michael Gerling, our team is committed to providing the most advanced and personalized care to help improve your quality of life.
The Rhizotomy Procedure at Gerling Spine Care NJ
The rhizotomy procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the process. Here's what you can expect:
- Targeting Nerves: Using a small needle, the surgeon inserts a specialized probe near the targeted nerve roots in the spine.
- Fluoroscopy Guidance: To ensure accuracy, fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) is used to guide the probe to the correct location.
- Nerve Disruption: Once the probe reaches the nerve root, heat is applied to effectively disrupt the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.
- Duration and Setting: The entire procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, and most patients can return home the same day.
Rhizotomy is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won't need to stay in the hospital, and you can typically resume light activities within a few days.
