LMBB & RF ABLATION
Lumbar facet medial branch block (LMBB) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation are minimally invasive spine procedures used to diagnose and treat chronic low back pain caused by damage to the lumbar facets such as arthritis, arthropathy, etc.
LMBB involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic medication into the medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints in the lumbar spine. If the pain is temporarily relieved after the injection, this can indicate that the facet joints are the source of the pain. This diagnostic block can help your doctor confirm a diagnosis and determine whether LMBB RF ablation may be a suitable treatment option for long term pain relief.
LMBB RF ablation involves using heat generated by a special needle to destroy the medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the needle is guided to the affected area using imaging technology such as fluoroscopy. The heat generated by the needle damages the medial branch nerves, which can reduce or eliminate chronic low back pain caused by facet joint arthritis.
The benefits of LMBB and RF ablation include:
- Accurate diagnosis: LMBB is a highly accurate diagnostic tool that can confirm the source of the patient's pain and guide further treatment.
- Targeted pain relief: Compared to other injections, such as epidural steroid injections, LMBB can provide more targeted pain relief and reduce the risk of side effects.
- Minimally invasive: LMBB and RF ablation are minimally invasive procedures that cause less pain and scarring than traditional open surgeries.
- Faster recovery times: Because the procedures are minimally invasive, patients can typically go home the same day or the day after the procedure and return to their regular activities faster than with traditional open surgeries.
- Effective for many patients: LMBB and RF ablation have been shown to be effective for many patients with chronic low back pain caused by arthritis in the facet joints of the lumbar spine.
It's important to note that while LMBB and RF ablation can offer several benefits, they may not be appropriate for all patients and conditions. Dr. Nasiek can help determine whether these procedures are right for you.
If you are suffering from chronic low back pain caused by arthritis in the facet joints of the lumbar spine, LMBB and RF ablation may be good options for you. They are safe and effective procedures that can provide significant relief from your symptoms and help you get back to your regular activities faster than with traditional open surgeries. Talk to Dr Nasiek about whether LMBB and RF ablation are right for you.