At Gerling Spine Care NY, we offer rhizotomy as a highly effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain, particularly neck or back pain caused by facet joint arthritis or other spinal conditions. Rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain, offering long-lasting relief for patients who have not found success with traditional pain management techniques. Led by Dr. Michael Gerling and Dr. Zorica Buser, our experienced team of specialists is committed to providing personalized, advanced care to help improve your quality of life.
The Rhizotomy Procedure
The rhizotomy procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation to ensure the patient is comfortable. Using a small needle, your surgeon will insert a specialized probe near the targeted nerve roots in the spine. Fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) is used to accurately guide the probe to the correct location. Once the probe is in place, heat is applied to the nerve, effectively disrupting its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to one hour and can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients can return home the same day.
