A degenerative disease affecting the lower spine, lumbar spondylosis compromises spine health and function by narrowing intervertebral spaces and compressing spinal nerves. Generally attributed to aging, spondylosis also causes spinal osteoarthritis when it damages thoracic and cervical vertebrae.

Symptoms of lumbar spondylosis include pain, numbness and tingling radiating from affected areas and decreased flexibility of the spine. In advanced cases of lumbar spondylosis, spinal cord impingement caused by narrowing of the spinal canal may produce neurological problems, such as unsteady gait and an inability to control bladder functioning.

Lumbar spondylosis treatment in Staten Island involves a minimally invasive procedure called an endoscopic rhizotomy. Similar to a radiofrequency ablation procedure that uses electrical currents and tiny needles to denervate, or turn off, compressed nerves, an endoscopic rhizotomy allows your doctor to visualize nerves entering spinal joints.

With the ability to actually see inflamed nerves, your lumbar spondylosis doctor in Jersey City can quickly determine which nerves need to be treated and immediately implement the appropriate denervation technique. In addition to relieving the stiffness and pain of lumbar spondylosis, endoscopic rhizotomy is used to treat facet joint arthritis, sciatica, facet joint hypertrophy and whiplash.

Advantages of Endoscopic Rhizotomy for Lumbar Spondylosis

This type of lumbar spondylosis treatment in NYC is an outpatient procedure requiring a short recovery time. Because it is minimally invasive, patients undergoing endoscopic rhizotomy experience minimal to no blood loss, a small incision and negligible scar tissue. The comfort level of the procedure is acceptable with the use of local anesthesia. Finally, endoscopic rhizotomy for lumbar spondylosis maintains a high success rate among patients suffering mild to moderate spondylosis.

Should You Consider Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment?

You may be a good candidate for lumbar spondylosis if you:

• Have had lower back pain for more than six weeks that does not respond to conservative treatment
• Tenderness and muscle spasms upon palpation of spine (facet) joints
• Have restrictive range of motion in your lower spine

Your lumbar spondylosis doctor in NYC may be able to confirm facet joint damage is causing your lower back pain by blocking the medial branch nerve, or facet joint. Diagnostic tests, such as an electromyogram, nerve conduction test or other imaging tests can also provide the information necessary to accurately diagnose lumbar spondylosis.

What to Expect During a Lumbar Rhizotomy Procedure?

After making you as comfortable as possible, your lumbar spondylosis doctor in Staten Island directs a small needle towards the nerve carrying pain signals from the facet joint to the nervous system. Equipped with an electrode tip, the needle sends radiofrequency energy to the nerve that heats the nerve and stops pain signals emitted by the facet joint.

A lumbar rhizotomy usually takes less than an hour to complete. Following treatment, you may spend 30 to 45 minutes in recovery before walking out of the office and going home. Your lumbar spondylosis doctor in New York City will prescribe pain medications if you need them.