Why is a Rhizotomy procedure performed?
Rhizotomy surgery is usually performed to decrease back pain and neck pain when it’s affecting a person’s quality of life. The procedure is a safe, effective, and minimally-invasive way to restore movement, reduce suffering, and help patients return to their daily activities. Nerve pain can be significant, and a rhizotomy can offer much needed relief.
What conditions can be treated with rhizotomy?
As rhizotomy is less invasive than many other back surgeries, it can be used to treat a wide range of nerve issues in the back and neck such as:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative spinal conditions
- Disc herniations
- Joint pain
- Spasticity and pain caused by cerebral palsy
- Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain caused by trigeminal nerve irritation)
What is the success rate for rhizotomy?
Like most procedures, rhizotomy can’t guarantee a 100% effectiveness rate. A portion of patients who undergo the surgery will receive little-to-no pain relief, and for others, the pain may return in coming years as the nerve regrows. However, these are a small percentage of the cases. When you consult with a rhizotomy surgeon, they can give you all of the information you need to know to make an educated choice about your surgery. The vast majority of patients who undergo the rhizotomy procedure experience pain relief that lasts.