Facet denervation uses radiofrequency heat delivered through a needle to switch off the tiny nerves (medial branches) that carry pain signals from the small facet joints at the back of the spine. It is used for chronic low back or neck pain arising from those joints.
When the diagnosis is right it can reduce pain for 6 to 12 months or longer. The nerves grow back, so it is not permanent, and it does nothing for pain from discs, trapped nerve roots or muscles.
What Facet Joint Denervation (Radiofrequency Ablation) involves
Diagnosis comes first: on one or two separate occasions a small amount of local anaesthetic is injected onto the medial branch nerves under X-ray, and you record your pain for the next hours. Only if pain drops by at least half, and ideally by 80 percent, is ablation worthwhile. For the ablation itself you lie face down. After local anaesthetic to the skin, insulated needles are steered under X-ray so that the exposed tip lies alongside each target nerve where it crosses the bone. Position is checked with sensory and motor stimulation to be sure no leg or arm nerve root is nearby. The nerve is numbed, then heated to about 80 degrees Celsius for 60 to 90 seconds. Two nerves are treated for each joint.
Who is a good candidate for Facet Joint Denervation (Radiofrequency Ablation)?
Suited to adults with more than 3 months of axial spine pain, worse on arching backwards and twisting, who responded clearly to diagnostic blocks.
- Chronic low back pain without sciatica, often with morning stiffness
- Neck pain after whiplash or from facet arthritis
- Clear but temporary relief after two medial branch blocks
- People wishing to reduce painkillers while continuing an exercise programme
Es ist normalerweise nicht die richtige Wahl, wenn:
- Pain running below the knee with numbness, which suggests nerve root compression
- No relief from diagnostic blocks
- Blood thinning treatment that cannot be paused, active infection or pregnancy
- Widespread pain conditions where the facets are not the main source
Technikoptionen
- Conventional thermal radiofrequency: The standard, best studied method.
- Cooled radiofrequency: Creates a larger lesion; sometimes used for the sacroiliac joint.
- Pulsed radiofrequency: Lower temperature without destroying the nerve; weaker evidence.
- Facet joint steroid injection: A simpler alternative with short lived benefit, sometimes used as a first step.
Was passiert während Ihrer Behandlung
The session lasts 30 to 60 minutes with local anaesthetic and, if wished, light sedation. You must stay responsive for the stimulation test. You may feel pressure and a dull ache during heating. After an hour of observation you walk out, but should not drive that day.
Vorbereitung auf Ihre Reise
Diagnostic blocks and ablation are separate appointments. On a single visit of about 5 to 7 days it is possible to have a block on day one or two and the ablation a few days later, provided the block response is convincing. If you have already had documented positive blocks at home, one appointment is enough.
- Informieren Sie den Arzt über Medikamente, Allergien, Schwangerschaft oder Stillen und eine Vorgeschichte von Fieberbläschen, Keloidnarben oder Autoimmunerkrankungen
- Vermeiden Sie Alkohol, Aspirin und entzündungshemmende Schmerzmittel für ein paar Tage im Voraus, wenn Ihr eigener Arzt zustimmt, um Blutergüsse zu reduzieren
- Kommen Sie ohne Make-up auf dem Behandlungsbereich an und vermeiden Sie zwei Wochen vorher Sonnenliegen und starke Sonne
Genesung und Ergebnisse
A sunburn like soreness or deeper ache at the needle sites is common for 1 to 2 weeks and the original pain may flare before it eases. Benefit builds over 2 to 4 weeks. Resume normal activity within a day or two and restart strengthening exercises after a week, since lasting benefit depends on them.
- Zurück zur alltäglichen Aktivität: 1 bis 2 Tage
- When results show: Relief builds over 2 to 4 weeks
- How long they last: Typically 6 to 12 months; repeatable
Sicherheit, Risiken und Revisionspolitik
Serious harm is rare when X-ray guidance and stimulation testing are used.
- Temporary increase in pain or neuritis with burning skin sensitivity
- Numb patch of skin over the treated area
- No benefit or only short benefit
- Bruising or infection at needle sites
- Injury to a spinal nerve root causing weakness, very rare
- After neck treatment, temporary unsteadiness or dizziness
Jeder schriftliche Vorschlag wird durch Clinic-Y gibt an, was die Klinik abdeckt, wenn eine Korrektur erforderlich ist. Fragen Sie danach, bevor Sie buchen, nicht danach.
Cost of Facet Joint Denervation (Radiofrequency Ablation) in Türkiye
Clinic-Y does not publish a single price for Facet Joint Denervation (Radiofrequency Ablation), because the honest figure depends on your case. What moves it:
- Number of spinal levels and sides treated
- Whether diagnostic blocks are included
- Conventional versus cooled probes
- Sedation and day unit fees
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Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is it safe to destroy these nerves?
The medial branches supply the facet joint and a small deep back muscle. Losing them does not cause noticeable weakness or harm the joint.
What if the pain returns?
The procedure can be repeated, usually with a similar response, as long as the first one gave at least several months of relief.
How strong is the evidence?
Mixed. Studies with strict selection using two blocks show worthwhile relief; trials with loose selection show little. Careful diagnosis is therefore the key question to ask about.