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Rhizotomy is an umbrella term for back and spine treatments that destroy nerve tissue to prevent nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Radiofrequency ablation is one of the most common rhizotomy procedures. It uses radio waves to impair nerve endings and eliminate pain in your back, arms or legs. Find out more about the rhizotomy treatments available at Harley Street Specialist Hospital.
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At Harley Street Specialist Hospital, we offer several different procedures for nerve pain, from spinal injections to nerve ablation treatments like rhizotomy. Our award-winning private hospital is home to our pain management clinic, where we work with the UK’s largest pool of pain management consultants to give you the right specialist advice when you need it.
With no waiting lists and same-day appointments available, you can get an appointment at a time that suits you best. Rhizotomy procedures are popular at our central London hospital, as they offer sustained pain relief within just a few days.
If you’re considering rhizotomy treatment as a self-paying or privately insured patient, book an appointment to discuss how a rhizotomy at Harley Street Specialist Hospital can restore your quality of life starting right now.
A rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to deaden nerve tissue so that it can no longer register pain. There are several types of rhizotomy, including radiofrequency ablation, surgical nerve cutting, and chemical ablation. Each type uses a different technique to remove or destroy the nerve endings.
Rhizotomy can help treat back and spine conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Joint pain in the knee or hip may also benefit from rhizotomy, as well as other conditions stemming from nerve pain. Dorsal and selective dorsal rhizotomy may also be used to treat cerebral palsy.
The most common types of rhizotomy include:
Radiofrequency ablation — This procedure uses heat from radio waves to destroy the target nerve tissue. Radio waves are delivered via a needle, which is inserted into your spine under local anaesthetic.
Chemical ablation — A needle is used to deliver a small amount of glycerin to the nerve root, destroying the tissue.
Endoscopic rhizotomy — A tiny camera (endoscope) is inserted through a small cut in your back. This camera guides your surgeon in removing the affected nerve root surgically.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy — This is a type of endoscopic rhizotomy used to treat cerebral palsy.
A rhizotomy is a day-case procedure, so there’s usually no need for an overnight hospital stay. While there are several different rhizotomy techniques, the general procedure follows the same pattern:
Radiofrequency ablation usually takes place within one day, and you won’t need to stay overnight at the hospital. Here’s how the procedure works:
1. Assessment and diagnosis — In conjunction with your medical history and current health information, diagnostic and imaging tests help your doctors decide if a rhizotomy is right for you.
2. Diagnostic block — You may have already had a nerve root block to establish which nerves are causing your pain. If you haven’t, your team may advise a diagnostic nerve block at this stage.
3. X-ray or ultrasound — Your doctor will scan your back using X-ray or ultrasound technology to find the best place to perform the rhizotomy.
4. Local anaesthetic — No matter which type of rhizotomy you have, local anaesthetic will be used to reduce the pain you feel during the procedure.
5. Rhizotomy — Your doctor will perform the rhizotomy. This may involve inserting a needle into your back or using a camera and other surgical tools to identify and cut away the affected nerve tissue.
6. Recovery — You’ll stay in hospital for a few hours for monitoring. Afterwards, you can go home, where you’ll be advised to rest for a few days.
As with most minimally invasive operations, you might feel some discomfort for a few days. Your medical team will advise you on how to manage this pain while you recover at home.
Learn more about getting a rhizotomy in these frequently asked questions.
Rhizotomies are used to treat various types of chronic pain, including:
It may also be used to treat cerebral palsy (usually in children).
Your nerve roots can grow back even after a rhizotomy procedure so you might need multiple rhizotomies over the years. There’s currently no guideline on the upper limit of rhizotomy procedures you can have as long as it continues to give you effective pain relief.
A lumbar rhizotomy specifically targets the nerve roots in the lower back (also known as the lumbar spine).
A rhizotomy takes place under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel much pain during the procedure itself. However, when the pain relief wears off, you might experience some discomfort for a few days. The amount of pain differs from person to person, but some people describe the feeling as similar to sunburn.
Other treatments can be used to quell back and nerve pain instead of a rhizotomy. Rhizotomy alternatives include spinal surgery, spinal cord stimulation, and spinal injections for back pain.
Check with your medical team about your suitability for these alternative procedures.
Give yourself the gift of premium care. Contact us today for a personalised rhizotomy treatment plan, designed to fully suit your needs. And let our top-tier medical team bring you closer to a pain-free life.
Spread the cost of your medical treatment over several months with our finance options and medical payment plans. This is ideal for patients seeking the speed and comfort of private healthcare without significant upfront payments.
Use our self-payment options to get prompt care with the consultant of your choice. Patients looking for fast, efficient treatment without private health insurance are welcome to pay for treatment before their procedure.
We welcome patients with private medical insurance from approved insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and many more. Find out how to claim for your treatment with private health insurance to get optimum care and comfort.
Find out more about rhizotomy for pain relief below.
A rhizotomy is an umbrella term for a procedure that eliminates nerve endings that send pain signals to the brain. An ablation is a type of rhizotomy that involves using specific techniques (usually heat or chemicals) to destroy the nerve endings.
Rhizotomy risks and side effects can vary depending on which type of treatment you use. With any rhizotomy, the risks include bleeding, swelling, and bruising around the injection or incision site. There’s also a small risk of infection and damage to surrounding nerve tissue.
Yes, you’re normally awake for a rhizotomy. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic in your back so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
You can normally go back to work within a couple of days of a rhizotomy. However, if your job involves heavy lifting or standing up for long periods, consider staying off work a little longer to give your body time to heal.
No, rhizotomy isn’t considered a major surgery. You won’t need general anaesthetic or invasive surgical techniques, leading to faster recovery compared with spinal surgery.
At Harley Street Specialist Hospital, we offer a range of nerve ablation treatments and rhizotomies as part of our world-leading approach to pain management. These evidence-based procedures are carried out in our comfortable, convenient central London hospital, where patient care and safety are our top priorities.
We work with the UK’s largest pool of pain management consultants. So, you’ll have access to advice, guidance, and treatment from the UK’s best doctors, surgeons, and medical professionals. They’ll take all your queries and concerns on board to ensure you’re confident about your treatment plan.
Choose Harley Street Specialist Hospital for your rhizotomy procedure.Book an appointment with our team to get started.
