Are you tired of chronic pain? Let's learn about the treatment called Rhizotomy.

Sometimes there are some pains in our lives that seem to never go away no matter what medicine we take or physical therapy we do. It could be a backache that has been bothering us for years, a neck pain, or an unbearable pain that feels like an electric shock on one side of the face. Only those who have experienced it know how difficult it is to live with such conditions. So, when all else fails, today we are going to talk about a special treatment method that doctors recommend. It is called Rhizotomy.

Simply put, what is Rhizotomy?

To understand this, let's first think about our body's nervous system. The nerves that run throughout our body are like tiny electrical cables. These cables are what send messages between our brain and the rest of our body. Everything you feel, like touch, pain, and heat, is sent to the brain through these nerves, and it's through these nerves that the brain tells you to move your arms and legs.

However, sometimes, due to a malfunction in this nervous system, some nerves start to continuously send the message "pain" to the brain. In fact, this message goes even when there is no major disorder there. In a treatment called rhizotomy, what is done is to identify those problematic nerve fibers that are sending the wrong messages, damage them and stop the message from traveling. It's like disconnecting a troublesome electrical wire. When the pain signals stop going to the brain in this way, the pain you feel disappears or is significantly reduced.

How do you damage these nerves?

Doctors use several methods to do this:

• Surgical excision: Sometimes, these nerves are surgically cut and removed. This can be done as open surgery or endoscopically, which involves inserting a camera through a small incision.
• By a chemical: You can also damage the nerve in question by using a chemical such as glycerin.
• Radiofrequency ablation: High-intensity radio waves are focused and the resulting heat is used to damage the nerve. This method is often called Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) .

Rhizotomy, Ablation, Neurotomy... Do these words mean the same thing?

Yes, these words can be a little confusing , but their meaning is very simple.

• Rhizotomy: This is the common name for this treatment method. That is, any procedure that damages a problematic nerve fiber can be called this name.
• Nerve Ablation: This is another term used for Rhizotomy. Ablation means removal or destruction.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This is a specific method used to perform a rhizotomy. It involves damaging the nerve using heat from radio waves.
• Neurotomy: This is another medical term for cutting or destroying a nerve.

That means that all of these words mean the same basic purpose. So don't worry if your doctor uses these words interchangeably.

What conditions does Rhizotomy treatment help with?

This is a very important point. Rhizotomy is not the first treatment for all pain. Doctors usually first try things like physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or nerve blocks. This treatment is only considered if all of these fail .

There are different types of rhizotomy treatments, each targeting different nerves in the body.

How should I prepare before this treatment?

If you decide to have this treatment, your doctor and medical team will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for it. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have.

Usually, you will need to have several tests to confirm whether this treatment will really help you.

• Imaging tests: Things like an MRI scan or X-ray.
• Nerve Block: To pinpoint the exact nerve causing the problem, a temporary injection is given to the nerve to see if the pain decreases.
• Blood and urine tests: Know your overall health status.

This treatment is often done under general anesthesia. This means you are completely asleep. Therefore, you will need to meet with an anesthesiologist to make sure it is safe for you.

Also, if you are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners/anticoagulants, you may need to stop taking them a few days before your treatment. However, never stop taking your medications without your doctor's advice.

What actually happens during treatment?

It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear this, but this procedure is very planned and safe. There may be slight variations depending on the treatment method, your condition, and the nerve being targeted.

These are the steps usually followed:

1. Anesthesia or Sedation

Most of the time, you will be put to sleep completely, so you won't feel any pain. In some cases, you may be put to sleep lightly (sedation) or only the area may be numbed (local anesthetic).

2. Finding the right nerve (Imaging Guidance)

The doctor will use a special X-ray technique called fluoroscopy to locate the problem nerve. This will help you see exactly where to place the needle. Sometimes, a special liquid (contrast dye) may be injected into a vein to make the nerve more visible.

3. Testing the Nerve

Before damaging the nerve, it is necessary to confirm that the targeted nerve is the correct one . To do this, a small electrical stimulation is given through a needle. Sometimes a test called EMG (Electromyography) is also used for this.

4. Destroying the Nerve

Once the exact nerve is confirmed, one of the methods discussed earlier (radio waves, chemicals, or surgical cutting) is used to stop the nerve from functioning.

How effective is this treatment?

Most people who undergo rhizotomy experience long-term pain relief or significant improvement in muscle stiffness. Some people experience years of pain relief.

However, not everyone gets the same results. There are cases where the pain is not reduced much for a very small number of people. Also, over time, the nerves may recover to some extent and the pain may reappear. If this happens, you may need to undergo this treatment again. Your doctor will explain to you more details about the success of this treatment depending on your situation.

Are there any side effects or risks?

As with any medical procedure, Rhizotomy can have some risks and side effects. However, most of these are minor, and serious complications are rare. These risks vary depending on the type of procedure and the nerve being targeted.

After treatment, you will receive clear instructions about what symptoms to watch out for and when to return to see your doctor.