Rhizotomy

Rhizotomy services offered in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX

If conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy aren’t successfully relieving your chronic nerve pain, rhizotomy may be a better solution. Board-certified pain physician Mahesh Mohan, MD, performs this minimally invasive procedure at Pain Specialists of Frisco, with locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, Texas. To learn more about rhizotomy and determine if you’re a good candidate, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online.

Rhizotomy Q&A

What is rhizotomy?

Rhizotomy destroys malfunctioning nerve fibers to treat spasticity or chronic pain. When damaged or irritated nerves continue to send pain messages to your brain, rhizotomy can interrupt those signals at their source. This procedure addresses the root cause of nerve pain rather than simply managing symptoms with medication.

Are there different types of rhizotomy?

There are several types of rhizotomies, and Dr. Mohan can recommend a different approach depending on your specific pain and its source. Options include:

Radiofrequency ablation

This technique applies high-intensity radio waves to disengage the nerve. Dr. Mohan guides a thin needle to the problem nerve and uses controlled heat to disrupt pain signals.

Glycerin rhizotomy

For this approach, Dr. Mohan damages the nerve by injecting glycerin near the nerve root. This interrupts pain signals without interfering with other nerve functions.

Endoscopic rhizotomy

Dr. Mohan can use a tiny camera called an endoscope to locate and carefully cut problematic nerves.

Would a rhizotomy help me?

If your pain stems from nerve problems and other treatments have been unsuccessful, Dr. Mohan may recommend rhizotomy. You’re likely to benefit if you have:

Chronic back or neck pain from damaged facet joints
Nerve-related pain that keeps you from daily activities
Pain from arthritis in your spine’s facet joints
Trigeminal neuralgia that hasn’t responded to medication

Dr. Mohan can perform diagnostic nerve blocks before committing to rhizotomy. This confirms whether targeting those specific nerves relieves your pain.

What happens during a rhizotomy procedure?

Rhizotomy is typically an outpatient procedure, so you can have your treatment and go home the same day.

After Dr. Mohan numbs the area with local anesthesia, he uses imaging guidance to carefully position the needle and perform the nerve treatment. Plan for your visit to last about an hour, but the procedure itself only takes minutes.

What can I expect after my rhizotomy?

Expect a few days of soreness and bruising around the injection site, but many patients experience significant relief from chronic pain. Your pain relief may last from several months to several years, and Dr. Mohan can discuss a wide variety of therapies to promote healing and help you thrive.

If nerve pain disrupts your life, rhizotomy at Pain Specialists of Frisco can provide relief. Call the nearest office or click the online scheduler today to book your consultation.