Radio frequency denervation is performed under fluoroscopy (a form of live x-ray). It is important to be sure that the placement of the needle is accurate, to damage the correct small nerve and avoid unintended consequences.
Patients are advised to avoid driving and strenuous activities for the day of the procedure, and to continue taking their normal medications except aspirin or other blood-thinning medications.
An intravenous line is inserted so that relaxation drugs can be given as required and the patient asked to lie face down on the x-ray table.
A local anesthetic is given to the area of skin where the procedure is to be performed. Fluoroscopy, which is live x-ray guidance, is used to place the needle alongside the medial or lateral branch nerves. A small electrical charge is passed through the needle to check it is in the right area next to the nerve. This stimulation should bring on the patient’s typical pain and make the back muscles twitch.
The target nerves are then anesthetized to minimize the pain while the lesion is being made, and repeated as often as the number of nerves to be treated. The whole thing takes from 30-90 minutes.
I’m scheduled to have radio frequency denervation (for cervical, occipital nerve problems leading to headaches) and I’m wondering if anyone has ever had the procedure and ended up worse than before.
Michelle