- In Many cases the pain is Not originating from the herniated disc or other MRI finding. Instead, the pain is originating from Deep trigger Points within certain muscles. Trigger Points can mimic pain from Sciatica, pinched nerve, radiculopathy, and can be the cause of headaches, neck pain, back pain.
- Deep trigger points are areas of tight, hyperirritable muscle fibers that form within a muscle and cause pain in the local area or sometimes in another part of the body. These points are often deeper within the muscle tissue and are typically more difficult to reach than superficial trigger points. Trigger points are often associated with myofascial pain syndrome and can result from muscle overuse, poor posture, stress, injury, or other factors.
- When pressure is applied to a deep trigger point, it may cause localized tenderness or a referred pain sensation in another area. This referred pain is one of the hallmark characteristics of trigger points, where pain is felt at a site distant from the trigger point itself. For example, a trigger point in the neck might cause pain, tingling, numbness in the head, shoulder, arm, or hand. Lower back trigger points can cause pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates down the leg, potentially mimicking sciatica/radiculopathy/ pinched nerve.
A medial branch nerve block is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to treat pain that originates from the small joints in the spine, specifically the facet joints. These joints are located between the vertebrae and allow for movement and flexibility in the spine. When these joints become irritated or inflamed, they can cause localized back or neck pain, which can radiate to other areas.
How it Works:
- Medial Branch Nerves: The medial branch nerves are small nerves that innervate the facet joints of the spine. They carry pain signals from these joints to the brain. By blocking these nerves temporarily, the doctor can determine whether the facet joints are the source of the pain.
- Procedure: During a medial branch nerve block, a local anesthetic (sometimes combined with a steroid medication) is injected near the medial branch nerves that are believed to be causing pain. This temporarily interrupts the pain signals sent by the facet joints.
Purpose:
- Diagnosis: If the pain subsides or is significantly reduced after the injection, it helps confirm that the facet joints are the source of the pain. This is especially useful in diagnosing chronic back pain or neck pain when other causes are not obvious.
- Therapeutic: A medial branch nerve block can also provide temporary pain relief. If it works, the pain relief can last for days, weeks, or even months. In some cases, if it provides good relief, a doctor may recommend additional treatments, such as a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure, which can offer longer-lasting pain relief by using heat to disable the nerve.
Benefits:
- It helps determine if the facet joints are the cause of pain.
- Provides temporary relief, allowing patients to manage their pain while exploring further treatment options.
- It is a minimally invasive procedure.
- It’s important to have this procedure performed by a skilled physician, typically one specialized in pain management or a related field, to ensure its effectiveness and minimize risks.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of medial branch nerves is a procedure used to provide long-term relief from chronic pain caused by facet joints in the spine. This procedure targets the medial branch nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
How it Works:
- Identifying the Source of Pain: Before performing RFA, a medial branch nerve block is often done. If the block provides significant pain relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of the pain, and RFA can be considered as a next step for longer-lasting relief.
- Procedure: During RFA, a small needle is inserted near the medial branch nerves that are causing pain. The needle is guided by either fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or sometimes CT scan to ensure accurate placement. Once the needle is in position, radiofrequency energy (heat) is applied through the needle to “burn” or denervate the nerve. The heat creates a small lesion that disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.
- Effect: By disabling the pain-transmitting function of the nerve, RFA can provide relief from the chronic pain caused by facet joint issues. The nerve will eventually regenerate, but the relief from pain can last for months or even longer, depending on the individual.
Benefits of RFA:
- Longer-lasting relief: Unlike nerve blocks, which offer temporary relief, RFA can provide relief for several months to over a year.
- Minimally invasive: RFA is a non-surgical procedure, typically requiring only a small needle and no incisions, leading to a shorter recovery time.
- Outpatient procedure: The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
Indications for RFA:
- Chronic neck or back pain caused by facet joint osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions.
- Pain that hasn’t been alleviated by other treatments like medications or physical therapy.
Duration of Relief:
- The relief from RFA can last from 6 months to over a year. Over time, the nerve may regenerate, and pain can return. In such cases, the procedure can often be repeated.
- Radiofrequency ablation is a popular choice for patients who suffer from chronic pain related to facet joint problems and who have not found relief from conservative treatments. However, it’s important to consult with a pain management specialist to determine if it’s the right option for your specific condition.
Endoscopic rhizotomy of medial branch nervesis a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain caused by the facet joints in the spine. The procedure involves using an endoscope (a small tube with a camera and light) to access and treat the medial branch nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
How It Works:
- Identifying the Pain Source: Before performing the endoscopic rhizotomy, a medial branch nerve block is often done to confirm that the facet joints are the source of the pain. If the nerve block provides significant pain relief, it suggests that the medial branch nerves are the cause, and rhizotomy can be considered.
- Procedure:
- Endoscopic Access: The procedure is performed through a very small incision in the skin. An endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera and light, is inserted to help the physician visualize the affected area in real time.
- Targeting the Nerves: The physician uses the endoscope to guide a small needle to the medial branch nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints.
- Rhizotomy: Once the correct nerves are identified, the physician uses heat (typically radiofrequency energy) or other methods to destroy or “ablate” the targeted nerves. This process, called rhizotomy, blocks the pain signals that the nerves would otherwise send to the brain.
- Effect: The targeted medial branch nerves will be temporarily disabled, which interrupts the pain signals. Over time, the nerve will regenerate, but the relief can last anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the individual and the procedure’s effectiveness.
Benefits of Endoscopic Rhizotomy:
- Minimally Invasive: The use of an endoscope means only a small incision is needed, leading to less tissue damage, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
- Real-Time Visualization: The endoscope allows the physician to view the affected area in real time, ensuring precise treatment and minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
- Long-Lasting Relief: Like radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic rhizotomy can provide long-term relief (months to years) from chronic pain caused by facet joint problems.
- Outpatient Procedure: It is typically done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day.
Ideal Candidates:
Endoscopic rhizotomy is generally considered for patients with chronic neck or back pain caused by facet joint degeneration, arthritis, or other related conditions, especially when non-invasive treatments (like physical therapy, medications, or injections) have not been successful.
It’s important for patients to discuss their symptoms, medical history, and treatment options with a pain management specialist to determine whether endoscopic rhizotomy is an appropriate option.
