Where to get a direct visualized rhizotomy second opinion
Where to get a direct visualized rhizotomy second opinion https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/shutterstock_741583993-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Phoenix Spine & Joint https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/shutterstock_741583993-1024x683.jpgA direct visualized rhizotomy (DVR) is a type of surgery designed to help people treat certain types of back pain. However, you may be looking for a second opinion to make sure DVR is right for your condition. At Phoenix Spine & Joint, we’re here to offer you the second opinion you’re looking for.
How do I know I need a second opinion about DVR?
Surgery is a major treatment step and shouldn’t be taken lightly no matter how minimally invasive and routine they may be. A second opinion may help you determine if DVR is the right treatment for you.
DVR can help treat several back conditions. For instance, it’s often used by our Phoenix Spine & Joint team to treat facet joint issues. The facet joints provide much of the flexibility associated with your spine. You have two facet joints located on each vertebra, and there are nerves running through each joint that carry pain signals. These nerves may be sending out signals because the joint is inflamed from arthritis, and when this is the case, DVR can cut these nerve fibers and stop the pain signals coming from the joint.
Sacroiliac joint pain can also be treated with DVR. The sacroiliac joint is made up of two parts. One part of it is the sacrum, which is a shield-shaped bony structure located at the bottom of your spine. The other part of the sacroiliac joint is the iliac bone in the pelvis. This joint isn’t intended to move much, but it can still be inflamed and cause pain in the back. If this pain doesn’t respond to other treatments, DVR may be used to cut the nerves and shut down the pain signals.
Though DVR can be used for these and other specific reasons, there are some back conditions that it may not be the best treatment for. For example, pain from herniated discs isn’t treatable with DVR. Spinal fractures, spinal stenosis and compression of the spine may also cause pain that should be treated with other procedures.
Find the direct visualized rhizotomy second opinion you need at Phoenix Spine & Joint
Here at Phoenix Spine & Joint, our team can help you get a second opinion about DVR. In fact, we have a specific procedure that will help us determine if DVR is right for you.
First, we’ll have you tell us about your symptoms and ask you questions about them. Then, we’ll review your back MRI to see if it indicates a swollen facet or sacroiliac joint. After looking at the MRI, our specialists will physically examine the back and press the area above the joint to see if there’s pain in the area you’ve indicated. Finally, a medial nerve block will be injected into the area to see if the pain subsides. If this nerve block test is successful, then we’ll recommend DVR to treat your pain.
Are you wondering if DVR can help treat your back pain? Contact one of our patient care coordinators today for more information or to schedule a free direct visualized rhizotomy second opinion.
