Neurolytic Procedures for Pain Management
Use of chemical agents or radiofrequency to destroy or deactivate specific nerves to provide long-term pain relief.
For patients suffering from chronic pain that does not respond to medications or other conservative treatments, Neurolytic Procedures offer effective, long-lasting solutions. These minimally invasive treatments aim to interrupt or destroy the nerves transmitting pain signals, providing significant relief for patients experiencing debilitating pain due to conditions such as cancer, neuropathic pain, or chronic abdominal pain.
We specialize in advanced Neurolytic Procedures designed to provide long-term pain relief while minimizing the need for medications and invasive surgeries. By targeting specific nerves involved in pain transmission, these therapies offer targeted pain relief, helping patients regain control of their lives.
Neurolytic Blocks (e.g., Celiac Plexus, Ganglion Impar)
What are Neurolytic Blocks?
Neurolytic blocks involve the use of a neurolytic agent (such as alcohol or phenol) that is injected near specific nerves or nerve clusters to interrupt pain transmission. By damaging the nerve fibers involved in pain signaling, these procedures can provide significant, long-lasting relief for patients with chronic pain conditions.
Celiac Plexus Block:
The celiac plexus is a major nerve center located in the abdomen that is involved in transmitting pain signals from the abdominal organs. A Celiac Plexus Block is often used for patients with abdominal pain caused by conditions like pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, or other gastrointestinal disorders.
Benefits of Celiac Plexus Block:
- Effective for managing chronic abdominal pain.
- Provides significant relief for patients with pancreatic cancer or other digestive tract conditions.
- Minimizes reliance on oral medications.
Ganglion Impar Block:
The ganglion impar is a nerve cluster located near the sacrum and is responsible for transmitting pain from the pelvis, rectum, and genital regions. Ganglion Impar Blocks are commonly used to treat pelvic pain, including pain associated with cancer, prostatitis, or anorectal pain.
Benefits of Ganglion Impar Block:
- Provides effective relief for pelvic, perineal, and rectal pain.
- Minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications.
- Helps reduce reliance on narcotic pain medications.
Radiofrequency Neurotomy
What is Radiofrequency Neurotomy?
Radiofrequency Neurotomy is a procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and deactivate specific nerves that transmit pain signals. This treatment is most commonly used for patients with facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint pain, or other types of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
During the procedure, a needle is inserted near the targeted nerve, and radiofrequency energy is applied to heat and destroy the nerve, temporarily interrupting its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.
When is it used?
- Chronic neck or back pain, particularly due to facet joint arthritis.
- Sacroiliac joint pain.
- Osteoarthritis or chronic musculoskeletal pain that does not respond to other treatments.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Neurotomy:
- Offers long-lasting pain relief, with effects lasting up to 12 months or longer.
- Minimally invasive with a short recovery time.
- Reduces or eliminates the need for oral pain medications.
- Provides significant relief for patients with chronic joint or nerve-related pain.
Cryotherapy / Cryoneurolysis
What is Cryotherapy / Cryoneurolysis?
Cryotherapy (also known as Cryoneurolysis) involves the use of extreme cold temperatures to freeze and destroy pain-transmitting nerves. The procedure is commonly used for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain, or joint pain.
During the procedure, a probe is placed near the targeted nerve, and the temperature is lowered to destroy the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. The effects of cryotherapy can last for several months, depending on the location and severity of the pain.
When is it used?
- Trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain).
- Chronic joint pain or neuropathic pain.
- Pain associated with certain types of cancer or nerve compression.
Benefits of Cryotherapy / Cryoneurolysis:
- Provides targeted, long-term pain relief by disrupting nerve function.
- Non-invasive and minimally painful procedure with quick recovery.
- Reduces the need for opioid pain medications.
- Effective for both acute and chronic pain conditions.
Cooled Radiofrequency Neurotomy
What is Cooled Radiofrequency Neurotomy?
Cooled Radiofrequency Neurotomy is an advanced version of radiofrequency neurotomy that uses a cooled probe to apply radiofrequency energy to larger areas of nerve tissue. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic pain conditions that involve large or deep nerve clusters, such as facet joint pain and sacroiliac joint pain.
The cooled radiofrequency probe allows for a more controlled and uniform treatment of nerve tissues, which results in longer-lasting pain relief and a lower risk of injury to surrounding tissues.
When is it used?
- Chronic back pain, especially from facet joint arthritis.
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
- Neuropathic pain or conditions that have not responded to other treatments.
Benefits of Cooled Radiofrequency Neurotomy:
- Provides longer-lasting pain relief compared to traditional radiofrequency neurotomy.
- Treats larger nerve clusters with greater precision.
- Minimal downtime and recovery.
- Reduces the need for long-term pain medication use.
Why Choose Neurolytic Procedures?
Targeted Pain Relief:
Neurolytic procedures are designed to specifically target the nerves responsible for transmitting pain, offering highly effective pain management for conditions that have not responded to other treatments.
Minimally Invasive:
These treatments are non-surgical and require minimal downtime, making them an ideal choice for patients looking to avoid invasive procedures.
Long-Lasting Results:
Many neurolytic procedures provide long-term pain relief, reducing the need for frequent medical interventions or reliance on medications.
Fewer Side Effects:
Because these procedures directly target pain-causing nerves, they often have fewer side effects compared to oral pain medications or invasive surgeries.
Improved Quality of Life:
By reducing chronic pain, these therapies allow patients to return to their normal activities, work, and social life, significantly improving their overall well-being.
How We Can Help
If you are struggling with chronic pain that has not responded to medications or other treatments, Neurolytic Procedures may be a viable solution for you.