What it is - Also called Rhizotomy

[Leeann]

This is a procedure where using fluoroscopy, the doctor inserts a "burning type" instrument into the area in an attempt to burn the nerves that are causing the pain. By burning the nerves, it will "sort of" kill them and stop them from transmitting the pain signal to the brain.

The draw-back to this procedure is that it is a temporary fix. The nerves grow back - at an average rate of 1" per month. Depending on how quickly your nerves grow back (some are quicker than others) you could have relief of 6 months to a year.

After the procedure is done, you'll feel some soreness but nothing you can't handle. They usually give you pain medication to take for a few days (i.e. Vicodin) and tell you to use ice on the area. i've had this done, but got NO relief. I don't know why - he knows he hit the correct nerve as like I said, it was done under fluoroscopy. Also, I was put in "lala land" so I didn't know what was going on ~ when I awoke, I was just in a bit of paiin but nothing serious. it's worth trying.

[Craftweb]

A rhizotomy is a neurosurgical procedure that selectively severs problematic nerve roots in the spinal cord, most often to relieve the symptoms of neuromuscular conditions such as spastic diplegia and other forms of spastic cerebral palsy.