Disc denervation is a pain procedure used to treat chronic disc related or discogenic pain. Affected pain-causing nerves are heated and destroyed with radiofrequency. The heat generated from the radiofrequency modifies certain nerve fibers and blocks the perception of pain that is received by the brain. If you have chronic, unresponsive neck or back pain, you may be a good candidate for disc denervation.
What is disc denervation?
The anatomy of the spine (and how it works) is important to understand when exploring disc denervation as a treatment option.
Your bony spine is positioned so that individual vertebrae (bones of the spine) provide a flexible support structure while also protecting the spinal cord. Each vertebra stacks upon the other, with the facet joints of the spine connecting them. These joints have nerves running through and around them, providing sensation and movement to the rest of the body. Separating each individual vertebra are intervertebral discs that act as cushions to minimize the impact that the spinal column receives.
When any part of this structure is compromised due to disease or injury, extreme pain can result. You may feel pain in one spot or it can radiate from the disc to other areas of the body. For example, you may feel it down the leg, across the shoulders, or down the arm.
Disc denervation is a pain management procedure that treats disc pain by heating the nerve to block pain signal transmission to the brain. Using radiofrequency, the affected nerves are heated and destroyed. This modifies the nerve fibers and blocks the signaling of pain.
The pain relief from disc denervation can last anywhere from eight to 24 months. The procedure is generally recognized as safe and can be repeated when pain returns.
How can disc denervation help me?
Disc denervation can help patients who have disabling chronic pain, especially when conservative treatments have failed. It’s most useful for cases of back and neck pain. Remember the intervertebral discs? They are designed to be soft and provide support but have a tendency to herniate (or bulge) backwards, causing irritation to the adjacent nerves. This type of disc disease is one of the most common causes of chronic neck or back pain. In fact, it accounts for approximately 10% of all lower back pain complaints.
Disc disease may be acute herniation resulting from trauma or, more commonly, chronic caused by degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease occurs as discs thin and deteriorate over time. This can lead to disrupted spinal function, nerve impingement, or peripheral nerve irritation.
Disc denervation has several advantages when it comes to treating back and neck pain. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide significant relief. No hospitalization is necessary; the procedure is performed with local anesthesia and sedation. Typically, there is little post-procedure discomfort, and you can quickly resume your normal activities.
Another advantage to disc denervation is that denervation can be controlled, minimizing the risk of damaging adjacent nerves. Also, if the pain recurs, you can repeat this minimally invasive treatment.