07 Dec How RACZ Caudal Neurolysis Helps Relieve Back Pain
Back pain can be caused by a lot of different things. Sometimes, in an effort to relieve back pain through surgical means, new pain is introduced. That may be the case following back surgery. Scarring left behind can cause pain that has to be dealt with. RACZ Caudal Neurolysis is one potential solution.
RACZ Caudal Neurolysis is a minimally invasive procedure that relies on injections. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning you receive the treatment here in our office. You go home and right back to your daily routine shortly thereafter. The procedure is ideal for anyone looking for a minimally invasive option and isn’t bothered by needles.
Painful Scarring Left Behind
Unfortunately, back surgery always carries with it the risk of scarring. When a surgery leaves scarring behind, that scarring may or may not cause pain. When it does, it is a pain deep in the tissue. Our goal with RACZ Caudal Neurolysis is to both provide immediate pain relief and dissolve the scar tissue so as to completely alleviate the pain.
We utilize two different medications during this procedure. The first is a general anesthetic to prepare the main injection site for treatment. The second is an anesthetic and steroid combination. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief while the steroids go to work on the scar tissue.
How the Procedure Works
Like all the injection therapies we utilize to treat back pain, the patient receiving RACZ Caudal Neurolysis lies on a treatment table face down. A cushion is placed under the stomach to provide proper support. Next, the physician injects a local anesthetic into the lower back, specifically the sacral hiatus. This anesthetic numbs the skin and the tissue down to the surface of the bone.
Next, the physician guides a needle into the epidural space below the sacral hiatus. A contrast solution is injected in order to guide the physician from there. Using standard fluoroscopy, the doctor is able to locate the scar tissue in question. Then a catheter is inserted through the needle and guided to the site.
Finally, the site is bathed in anesthetic and steroids by way of the catheter. The catheter and needle are then removed, the site is bandaged, and the patient is observed for a few minutes to make sure all is well.
After the Procedure
Immediately following the procedure, the patient should experience significant relief. There may be some soreness at the injection site for a day or two following RACZ Caudal Neurolysis. It also may be necessary to repeat the procedure a time or two in order for the steroids to fully dissolve the scar tissue.
When the physician feels like two or three treatments are necessary, he or she may recommend that the catheter remain in place until all the injections are complete. This is just a more efficient way to treat the patient without having to go through multiple anesthetic injections.
It Might Be Right for You
Lone Star Pain Medicine specializes in alleviating back pain through minimally invasive procedures. RACZ Caudal Neurolysis might be a good choice for you if your back pain is the result of scarring left behind by a previous procedure. If you suspect this may be the case, don’t hesitate to come in and visit with one of our doctors. We would be more than happy to speak with you about the benefits and risks of RACZ Caudal Neurolysis.
RACZ Caudal Neurolysis is just one of the many tools we have to help relieve chronic pain. It is a minimally invasive procedure that offers relief to many of our patients.
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