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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffRadiofrequency neurotomy is a procedure to reduce back and neck pain. It uses heat generated by radio waves to damage specific nerves and temporarily interfere with their ability to transmit pain signals.
In radiofrequency neurotomy, the radio waves are delivered to the targeted nerves via needles inserted through the skin above your spine. Imaging scans are used during radiofrequency neurotomy to help the doctor position the needles precisely.
Radiofrequency neurotomy works better in some people than in others. Tests may be required to determine if the nerves commonly targeted by radiofrequency neurotomy are the same nerves responsible for your pain.
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- Speldewinde GC. Outcomes of percutaneous zygapophysial and sacroiliac joint neurotomy in a community setting. Pain Medicine. 2011;12:209.
- Chou R. Subacute and chronic low back pain: Nonsurgical interventional treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2011.
- Biondi DM, et al. Cervicogenic headache. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2011.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Radiofrequency lesioning. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2010.
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