When the facet joints are proven to be a significant source of pain, they may be addressed directly with this procedure.
A rhizotomy performed on facet joint nerve involves heating the nerve until it “melts” away from the joint.
This provides significant pain relief because now the body is no longer feeling the arthritis pain.
This procedure is not surgery and is all done by using a needle.
The only major structure the facet joint nerve goes to is the facet joint. So melting this nerve does not cause any major problems with muscle strength or motion.
And to protect you, there are many other nerves in the same area that supply other spine structures. These nerves help signal your body to protect you from hurting yourself after the procedure.
