Pulsed radiofrequency applied to the dorsal ganglion has the effect of altering the activity of a specific nerve root at the lumbar level. This procedure is indicated for treating pain in patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. We explain more in this article.
One of the treatments for pain that we have available at Instituto Clavel is pulsed radiofrequency, also known as rhizolysis. In this case, we will focus on this treatment applied to the dorsal root ganglion. As we said at the beginning, it is used in patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy, with the aim of eliminating or reducing pain, to improve their quality of life.
Before we go into detail about the treatment and its analgesic effects, we first want to explain this pathology, what its symptoms are, and its primary causes.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which there is damage to the peripheral nervous system, that is, nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. One of the main symptoms of this disease is intense pain in the extremities, especially in the hands and feet. The patient may also suffer numbness, tingling, and weakness in those areas.
It can affect one or two nerves, or even more, and in different areas, which is the most common. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, it can also produce the following:
- Lack of coordination, increasing the likelihood of falling.
- Heightened sensitivity to touch.
- Digestive problems.
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance.
- Drops in blood pressure or dizziness.
What are the causes of peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy can develop in association with other pathologies. Here are some of the most common:
- A disc herniation that directly affects a nerve.
- Diabetes is the most common cause. It is estimated that more than half of diabetic patients develop some form of neuropathy.
- Viral or bacterial infections such as shingles, Lyme disease, hepatitis B and C or HIV, among others.
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjögren's syndrome.
- Tumors, both malignant and benign, as they can press on the nerves.
- Bone marrow pathologies such as lymphoma or myeloma.
- Other diseases: hereditary pathologies, liver or kidney disease, etc.
Pulsed radiofrequency, an effective treatment for pain
When this pathology occurs in the dorsal nerve root, pulsed radiofrequency is one of the treatments that can be used to reduce the pain. This procedure consists of applying heat at 42 degrees Celsius to alter the way the nerve transmits sensory information in this area of the spine.
Dr. Iliana Araceli Vega, specialist in the pain management at our center in Barcelona, explains all about this treatment in the video that you can see below.
As the doctor explains, the duration of pain relief provided by this treatment varies, from 6 months to up to a year and a half, depending on a variety of factors. When necessary, our medical team will consider the possibility of repeating the procedure so that the patient may be free of pain and able to lead a normal life.
Do you have more questions about it, or would you like to get information regarding an individual case? We are always here to help.
If you are interested in learning more about the treatments for pain that we offer, we invite you to visit this page of our website, where you will find more information and learn about the way we work.
Categories: Back pain, Lumbar pain, Pain Management