Neurolysis is a way to treat chronic, severe pain. It works by destroying the nerves causing the pain. Neurolysis is performed for pain that is not expected to get better, such as pain due to incurable cancer.
What is Neurolysis?
The clinician first cleans and numbs the skin. They use x-rays to guide them as they put a skinny needle or wand next to the nerve. They then destroy the nerve by heating or freezing it or by injecting medicine like alcohol. After the procedure, they put a bandage over the spot.
How is Neurolysis done?
Nerve Block / Neurolysis
1. The clinician numbs the skin over the area to be treated.They use x-rays to put a skinny needle or wand next to the nerve.
2. They inject medicine through the needle and/or use the wand to heat or freeze the nerve.
3. After, they put a bandage over the pinhole in the skin.
What are the risks?
Neurolysis for pain management is a safe procedure when done by a specialist.
The main risk is damaging nerves that you need for other functions, such as moving or feeling a part of the body. This is because the nerves causing pain may have other jobs or be near other nerves. The risks depend on your health condition and which nerves are involved. Your clinician will provide more information on your specific risks.
1 in 1000 people
have bleeding
develop infection
develop skin darkening where the needle or wand was placed. This last risk is higher if the nerve is near the skin.
What are the alternatives?
Your options will depend upon your specific health issues and preferences. Your clinician will be able to help you explore your options, including a combination of the treatments below.
Alternative 1 Nerve block is a temporary version of neurolysis. This is where numbing medicine is injected to put the nerves to sleep without destroying them. Nerve blocks are used for short-term pain relief or to see if the nerve is the problem before destroying it with neurolysis.
Alternative 2 Medicines. Pain killers and other medicines can help reduce pain but sometimes medicines are not enough to control severe pain.
Alternative 3 Physical therapy. Some pain can be treated with physical therapy by strengthening muscles and reducing scar tissue.
Alternative 4 Meditation. Some people are able to reduce their pain with meditation.
Alternative 5 Acupuncture. Some people are able to reduce their pain with acupuncture.