If you suffer from chronic mid-back pain caused by arthritic or injured facet joints—and conservative care hasn’t brought you relief—Thoracic Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy may be a highly effective solution. This minimally invasive procedure uses targeted heat energy to block pain signals at the source, helping you move more freely and comfortably.
At Lifespring Pain Management Center, we offer advanced radiofrequency techniques to help you reclaim your mobility and reduce your dependence on medications.
Also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), this treatment targets the medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from the thoracic (mid-back) facet joints to your brain. These joints can become inflamed or arthritic over time, leading to persistent back pain and stiffness.
The procedure works by delivering precise heat energy to create a lesion on the nerve, temporarily “turning off” its ability to send pain signals.
Preparation
You'll be given a mild sedative and positioned face-down on the procedure table. The skin over the upper back is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
Needle Placement
Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray), your provider inserts a thin cannula to the target nerve. A radiofrequency electrode is placed through the cannula.
Nerve Testing
A small electrical current is sent through the electrode to confirm correct placement. You may briefly feel a muscle twitch or mild discomfort.
Numbing & Lesioning
Once confirmed, the nerve is numbed and then heated for a brief period to create the lesion, stopping pain signals from traveling to the brain.
Completion
The instruments are removed, and a bandage is applied. The process may be repeated on other affected nerves.
Pain relief may not be immediate. It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks for the treated nerve to fully die and stop sending pain signals.
At Lifespring Pain Management Center, we specialize in helping patients manage difficult-to-treat spine pain using advanced, evidence-based treatments like radiofrequency neurotomy. If you're tired of living with persistent thoracic pain, our team is here to help.
We proudly serve patients from Kaysville, Ogden, Layton, Farmington, Roy, and Salt Lake City.
We’re here to help you find relief and restore your quality of life. Reach out to schedule your consultation or ask us any questions.
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Kaysville, UT 84037
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