What you can expect

Before radiofrequency neurotomy

Let your doctor know if you take blood-thinning medications. You may need to stop taking them for a period of time before the procedure.

Follow these steps:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home.
• Swallow any necessary medications with clear liquids only and take them as early in the day as possible. Don't take medications within two hours of your surgery.
• Don't smoke or use any tobacco products the day of your procedure.

During radiofrequency neurotomy

Radiofrequency neurotomy is an outpatient procedure, so you'll go home later that same day.

You'll wear a hospital gown and lie on your stomach on an X-ray table. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm or hand to deliver medication that will keep you comfortable during the procedure. Numbing medication will be injected into your skin before the radiofrequency needles are inserted.

The doctor will the use a special X-ray machine (fluoroscope) to guide the radiofrequency needles to the precise area — so only the targeted nerve tissue will be treated.

After radiofrequency neurotomy

You'll be taken to another room to rest until you feel ready to go home. You might notice some soreness in the area where the needles were inserted, but this usually goes away in a day or two.

When you get home:

• Use an ice pack on the injection sites if you have discomfort. Place the pack on the sore spot for 20 minutes, three or four times a day, during the first day of your recovery.
• Don't use a heating pad on the injection sites.
• Avoid baths for two days. You may take a warm shower 24 hours after your procedure.