Direct visualized rhizotomy to treat your back pain
Direct visualized rhizotomy to treat your back pain https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shutterstock_142567207-1.jpg 1000 667 Phoenix Spine & Joint https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shutterstock_142567207-1.jpgBack pain is a common issue for Americans. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), about 80% of people in the U.S. will experience back pain at some time in their lives. One issue that causes many cases of back pain is osteoarthritis of the spine. This condition affects the facet joints of the spine, and can lead to pinched nerves that cause pain. Direct visualized rhizotomy is a procedure designed to help treat osteoarthritis of the spine.
What is direct visualized rhizotomy for back pain?
Direct visualized rhizotomy (DVR) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, and it’s designed to help patients suffering from nerve-based pain caused by facet joint arthritis. To perform this procedure, a small incision is made above the affected area of the spine. A round, hollow tube called a tubular retractor is inserted into the incision, and this tool helps move the back muscles and other soft tissue aside so they don’t have to be cut. Next, a thin wire with a lighted camera, known as an endoscope, is inserted. This allows the surgeon to directly view the operation site. Finally, a special tool is used to cut the nerve fibers sending pain signals to the brain, and the incision is then closed.
What benefits can direct visualized rhizotomy for back pain offer?
DVR is designed to offer many benefits to patients with osteoarthritis-based back pain. For one thing, the procedure is minimally invasive since it’s designed to damage as little soft tissue as possible. Also, decreased cutting of soft tissue means that patients also tend to lose less blood during DVR procedures.
DVR is intended to take about 30 minutes, and it can often be done using twilight sedation rather than a general anesthetic. This means you may not have to worry about a long period of recovery from the surgical anesthetic, and the procedure is designed to offer a shorter recovery period in general. Most patients are able to walk and return home within an hour of their surgery, and many patients are able to return to work the next day.
Find direct visualized rhizotomy for your back pain at Phoenix Spine & Joint
If you’ve been told that you need spinal fusion to treat your spinal osteoarthritis, you should seriously consider getting a second opinion. Phoenix Spine & Joint is just the place to get an informed second opinion. Our team has used DVR and other procedures to help thousands of patients treat their back pain. We’re also committed to using minimally invasive methods for all our surgeries, and we work hard to ensure the satisfaction of our patients. In fact we have a 99% patient satisfaction rating.
Take the next step to find relief from your back pain. Contact one of our care specialists today for more information or to schedule a free second opinion.
