Home Care after Cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar Rhizotomy (Radiofrequency)
The doctor has done a radiofrequency procedure to disrupt the nerve’s ability to cause pain.
You may feel sore at the injection site for the next 2-4 days. You may apply ice to the site for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to decrease pain and discomfort, if needed, for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you may use heat if needed.
Do not expect your pain to subside right away. Limit your activities for the first few days to those that you can do without pain. It may take up to 8 weeks before you have pain relief. Take your pain medicines as prescribed.
You may have some weakness for the next 3-5 hours. Plan to take it easy. No baths or soaking of the sites for one week. Do not shower for 48 hours.
You may resume taking your routine medicines after the procedure including pain medicines as prescribed.
Call the UWHC Pain Clinic at 608-263-9550 to set up a follow-up visit with the doctor in 4 weeks. You will be given a pain log to complete for the next 14 days. Complete this form and make a copy for your own records. Then, mail it back to us in the pre-paid envelope we gave you or bring it to the follow-up pain clinic visit. We will need this information to decide the next step in your treatment plan.
Signs of infection
- Fever greater than 100.4° F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
- Increased redness, swelling around the site
- Any drainage from the site
If you have any new symptoms or signs of infection, please call
Dr Sehgal – (608) 263-9550
After hours, nights and weekends, call (608)-262-0486 or if you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942. Ask for the rehabilitation doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 12/28/2011
Copyright © 12/28/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5662
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