- #100 - 325 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5
- (403) 265-3838
- (403) 351-8882 (FAX)
- #100 - 325 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5
- (403) 265-3838
- (403) 351-8882 (FAX)
For some patients, relief can only be found by disrupting pain signals being sent to the brain from the nerves connected to the facetand/or sacroiliac (SI) joints.
After identifying the nerves generating pain signals through test block injections, our physicians will use image guidance to precisely place a radiofrequency needle over the target nerve. An electrical current is passed through the needle to “ablate”, or burn, the nerve and prevent it from sending a pain signal.
This treatment is intended to be combined with the proper exercises, physical therapy, and proper precautions using your back in order to improve and lengthen the relief. The physiotherapists at Vivo Cura Health can help you with this effort. strengthening muscles which stabilize your back.
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. You will lie on your stomach. The area to be injected will be scrubbed with an iodine or chlorhexidine solution to clean the area (please tell the physician if you are allergic to iodine solution to the skin).
Local anesthetic similar to that used by your dentist will be injected into the skin, then under the skin and into the deeper tissues. Needles will then be passed down to the nerves to be injected. The nerves will be stimulated to assure proper needle position.
More local anesthetic will be injected to minimize discomfort. The facet joint nerves will be heated for 60 seconds (up to three at one time and up to four in a single sitting). During this time many patients experience a burning sensation. This is completely normal.
After the lesioning is complete, more local anesthetic and sometimes steroids are injected to decrease post-procedure discomfort. The needles are removed, the back is cleansed, and adhesive bandages are applied. You will be observed for approximately 20 to 30 minutes and then discharged in the care of your driver.
You may experience weakness and/or numbness in your legs. For this reason, we require you to bring a driver to your appointment. You should refrain from driving for the rest of the day.
Most patients return to work the next day.
Your back may ache for two weeks or more following the procedure. Oral anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs applied to the back usually help. Relief usually begins approximately three weeks following treatment and can last up to one year.
