Is A Cervical Rhizotomy A Good Option To Relieve Pain In The Back Post Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Posted on Wed, 14 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : If a person has had a spinal fusion at an earlier time, 15-20 years ago, and the former symptoms return later in life, what options are open for relief. Can cervical rhizotomy be used to relieve the pain and discomfort?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
A rhizotomy is an option, but a diagnosis is necessary first.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Options for treatment of symptoms recurring after spinal fusion depends on the causing condition that may be a fusion hardware failure, degenerative changes, arthritis of the spine, spinal cord compression (stenosis), spondylolisthesis, etc.

Imaging studies (like MRI) take an important role in the diagnosis.

Treatment options may include physical therapy, spinal injections, painkillers, hardware revision, decompression, etc.

Cervical rhizotomy may be indicated in cases of the facet joints being responsible for the symptoms and after the spinal injections confirmed the source of the pain and failed to result in long-term improvement.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Erion Spaho, Neurologist, Surgical

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee