Some conditions, such as facet joint arthritis, or other spinal conditions, may cause chronic pain. These conditions respond well to minimally invasive procedures, one of which is radio frequency ablation, or radio frequency neurotomy, or radio frequency rhizotomy. 

The procedure simply disrupts pain signals transmission from the vertebral joint to the brain, thereby providing significant pain relief. 

A physician will advise this procedure which can then be done in India at competitive cost advantage, by some of the best neurosurgeons. Learn more about it here in this post. 

Symptoms

Facet joint arthritis, or other spinal conditions, may result in localized back pain or radiating back pain or neck pain, or stiffness. Since the nerves are affected, the patient also exhibits reduced motion. The pain may be chronic or intermittent and may worsen with activity. A physician will diagnose the condition and recommend proper treatment. 

Diagnosis

A physician follows a routine of checking the patient’s past records, carrying out a thorough physical check, and use of X-rays, CT Scan and MRI to assess the nature and extent of damage after which he is likely to recommend a radio frequency rhizotomy. 

Treatment through radio frequency rhizotomy.

The surgeon will administer a local anesthetic and then insert a small needle close to the vertebral joint. This procedure is done with the help of real time X-ray fluoroscopy. Once the needle is in place the surgeon starts the radiofrequency energy delivery from the equipment. 

This RF energy heats and disrupts functions of the nerves resulting in disruption of transmission of pain signals from the fact joint to the brain. Since this is a minimally invasive procedure, the patient will feel only slight pain at the place where the needle was inserted. Pain medication takes care of such pain. 

While recovery is going on patients will be advised to reduce activities that would strain the joint. After the operations the patients will no longer feel the pain they used to experience before. 

Success rate of radio frequency rhizotomy.

Radio frequency rhizotomy has a success rate of 50% to 90% in terms of pain relief and improvement of quality of life. It is dependent on the patient’s age, health condition, the specific condition, location, severity of pain, and the skill of the surgeon. 

Risks of radio frequency rhizotomy

Since this is a minimally invasive procedure, the risks are quite low, but all the same, there are risks. Nerves may be damaged in the process. There may be a temporary increase in pain. There may be burns or other damages to surrounding tissues. However, these resolve in time. 

Why India is the best option for radio frequency rhizotomy

India is the best option for radio frequency rhizotomy for a number of reasons: 

It has the best private clinics and hospitals equipped with world-class equipments required for this procedure. There are excellent diagnostic facilities as well as pre and post-operative facilities on tap. 

Indian professionals are highly qualified, skilled, competent, and world-class. 

It costs a fraction of what you would pay for a similar procedure in western countries, even after calculating costs of travel. 

Indians have a caring attitude and a human touch that goes down well with patients. Patients like the personalized approach and the warm treatment. 

When there is a solution available, there is no reason to continue to live a life of pain. Radio frequency rhizotomy offers hope and it is affordable when you get it done in India by some of the best surgeons.