

What happens before a radiofrequency neurotomy procedure? Spine conditions that are a result of a traumatic injury, such as a car accident in which the spine is injured.Osteoarthritis, a chronic condition of the joints in which the cartilage, the smooth material between the joints, wears away.The radiofrequency neurotomy procedure can help patients who suffer from: What conditions are treated with a radiofrequency neurotomy procedure?

The heat is directed at the nerve that is causing the pain, so that nearby healthy nerves are not damaged during the procedure. Lateral branch nerves that are connected to these joints send pain signals from the spine to the brain.ĭuring a radiofrequency neurotomy procedure, the heat comes from a small electrical current that travels through a needle that has been inserted next to these small nerves. Sacroiliac joints are found at the bottom of the spine, right above the tailbone.Two small nerves, called medial branch nerves, are connected to the facet joints and send a signal to the brain that there is pain coming from the joints. These joints give the spine flexibility and allow movement of the back, such as twisting and bending.

