Radiofrequency denervation of the vertebral joints (RFD)

The source of back pain is often the pathology of the intervertebral discs, joints, ligaments and muscles. Degenerative changes in the lumbar region cause unbearable pain. Most often, the cause is osteoarthrosis, in particular, one of its forms - spondylarthrosis. As this pathology progresses, it slowly destroys the vertebral joints. This condition can be aggravated by physical inactivity, many infectious diseases and excess weight. You know the problem well, but what is the solution?

Radiofrequency denervation of the vertebral joints is a simple and painless procedure, recommended when the there is no result from the therapeutic treatment. The essence of the technique is to neutralize the nerve endings in small vertebral joints. For this, the effect of thermocoagulation is used - in which an electric current passes through the tissues, heat is released, and the nerve endings are effectively cauterized. The resulting pain relief lasts for several years for most patients.

How to carry out the procedure

Radiofrequency denervation of the spine is performed with local anesthesia and is controlled by interoperative x-ray. Faceted rhizotomy involves the passage of high-frequency currents through the tissues of the body, resulting in desensitization of the nerve endings.

1. A puncture is made in the nervous tissue, and needles are inserted at the ends of which small electrodes are installed through which current flows.
2. Overcoming tissue resistance, the temperature of the plates rises.
3. The result of exposure is cauterization of the nerve.
4. There may be slight pain during the procedure itself.
5. The whole procedure takes less than 30 minutes.

Rules for preparing for RFD

Obtaining positive dynamics largely depends on a complete preoperative examination, which includes:

1. X-ray of the lungs.
2. The conclusion of the neurologist.
3. MRI.
4. General analysis of blood and urine, a blood test for RW, hepatitis, HIV.
5. ECG.


Joint radiofrequency denervation requires precautions:

1. Some restrictions on food intake - you can not eat for eight hours before the procedure and drink - for two;
2. When using insulin, the dose of its administration on the day of the procedure should be adjusted;
3. The decision to stop taking the medicine is made by a specialist;
4. There is a need to refrain from driving within 12 hours after the procedure.


Contraindications

Manipulation is not carried out if the patient:
1. Damaged spinal cord;
2. Severe anemia;
3. fever;
4. Severely leaking infectious disease;
5. Deterioration of health.
In the presence of these symptoms, the patient is shown conservative treatment.

The doctor analyzes the patient's condition, available indications and contraindications to determine the appropriateness of the appointment of radio frequency denervation.


The effectiveness of the procedure.

The therapeutic effect of the procedure is noticeable immediately, the pain syndrome disappears. The final result can be evaluated after one and a half months, since in some cases, the effectiveness appears only after this period.

The effectiveness of such treatment in various cases can last up to several years. In many cases, the patient is required to exercise physical therapy in order to restore and develop the joint. If you do not anesthetize, a person will not be able to do it - the pain will not allow him to move normally. After the procedure, patients begin classes, which helps to avoid surgery at all or to postpone it for a long time.

If the necessary measures are not taken in a timely manner, the pain will become a constant daily test for a person, and we can't talk about an active edge of life, because even the simplest movements will be difficult.


Possible complications.

To date, none have been identified. Some discomfort may be observed, a hematoma or hyperemia may form at the puncture site. Within a short time, these manifestations tend to disappear.
The absence of side effects is due to medical supervision.