Medial branch neurotomy: Your experience

Getting ready for your treatment

Ask your provider if you should stop taking any medicines before treatment. Follow any directions you're given for not eating or drinking before treatment.

Tell your provider if you:

• Are pregnant or could be

• Are allergic to any medicines

• Have had any recent illness

• Have had other recent changes in your health

During the procedure

You will lie on an exam table. You'll most likely be on your stomach. Your position depends on where the nerve is that needs to be treated.

• Your provider will clean the skin at the treatment site. Then they'll numb it with medicine.

• Your provider will use X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to see your spine. The X-rays help guide the treatment. Your provider may inject a contrast dye into the affected area to help get a better image. If you're allergic to iodine or ever had a reaction to a dye, tell your provider before the procedure.

• Your provider will use heat, cold, radiofrequency, or chemicals to destroy part of the nerve near the inflamed facet joint. Nearby nerves may also be treated.

After the procedure

You can likely go home about 1 hour after the procedure. Have a family member or friend drive you. The treated spot may be swollen. It may feel more sore than usual. This is normal. This discomfort may last for about 1 day. It may be a few days before your first symptoms get better. Your provider may prescribe pain medicines for you. Ask them when it’s OK for you to go back to work.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your provider if you have:

• Fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Chills

• Redness or fluid leaking from the treatment area