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Pain surgery

Facet and intradiscal radiofrequency

When pain has no structural cause to correct, or does not respond to medication, there are techniques that act directly on the transmission of the pain signal, many of them percutaneous and performed as day cases.

Frequently asked questions

A probe inserted through a needle acts on the nerves of the facet joints or on the disc itself, without open surgery.

Radiofrequency is applied at two levels. In the facet joints (rhizolysis) it interrupts the small nerve branches that carry joint pain. Inside the disc (nucleoplasty) it reduces the volume of the nucleus and relieves pressure on the nerve root. It is a day-case procedure.

There are no studies with sufficient statistical evidence, but the results are reasonable and consistent, and in my experience very good, with practically no risk and at low cost. As good practice, a prior diagnostic block helps confirm where the pain comes from.

Typical indications

  • Lumbar or cervical facet pain
  • Small, contained disc herniation

Frequently asked questions

What is rhizolysis?

It is radiofrequency applied to the facet joints, the small joints that link the vertebrae at the back: the probe interrupts the nerve branches that carry pain from that joint. It is done with a needle, as a day case.

And nucleoplasty?

It is the same technology applied inside the disc: it reduces the volume of the nucleus and so relieves pressure on the nerve root. Its indication is specific, a small contained disc herniation.

Is it proven to work?

I will give you the facts as they are: there are no studies with sufficient statistical evidence. The results are reasonable and consistent, and in my experience very good, with practically no risk and at low cost. With that in front of you, the decision is yours.

Does anything have to be done before the radiofrequency?

As good practice, a prior diagnostic block, which helps confirm where the pain is coming from before treating it. Treating a joint that is not the one hurting does not fail because of the technique, it fails because of the diagnosis.

The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace a personalised medical assessment. Whether any technique is indicated depends on each patient's examination and scans.

Other techniques in pain surgery

Back to the catalogue See the whole group in the catalogue

Could one of these fit your case?

I review your scans and tell you frankly which option makes sense, including not operating.

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