Rhizotomy Alternatives for Back Pain: Why I No Longer Recommend Nerve Burning | Pain Experts
- cassis101
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
But here’s what most people aren’t told:
Those same small nerves don’t just carry pain signals. They also provide input to critical stabilizing muscles of your spine—particularly the multifidus muscles. These deep muscles form a core part of your spine’s functional stability system. When they atrophy, the architecture of your spine weakens, leaving you vulnerable to progressive degeneration, instability, and worsening pain over time.
This isn’t theoretical. We now have clear evidence, as extensively documented by Dr. Chris Centeno and others, showing that medial branch rhizotomies contribute to multifidus atrophy—visible on imaging. And once this damage is done, it’s very hard to reverse.
Yet insurance companies continue to incentivize this outdated and tissue-destructive approach. Recently, I saw a patient who had obtained 9 months of relief with diagnostic medial branch blocks alone—without needing nerve destruction. But when the insurance rules changed, the next step they approved was… rhizotomy. A short-sighted path that ignores what modern regenerative care can offer.
How Regenerative Spine Treatments Preserve Strength and Mobility
The spine is not a collection of isolated parts. It is a functional unit—an integrated system of joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Treating it requires respect for this complexity.
Instead of burning nerves, my approach focuses on:
Preserving and restoring the multifidus muscles, using advanced platelet-poor plasma (PPP) injections to support regeneration.
Addressing inflammatory processes within the facet joints and around the nerves. PRP and other biologic treatments can calm this inflammation and create space in crowded neural pathways—without damaging tissue.
Supporting the spine’s stabilization system through targeted physical therapy and, when needed, neuromuscular stimulation—helping patients regain durable strength and function.
Avoiding interventions that accelerate joint and muscle degeneration.
The result? We aim not just for temporary relief, but for preserved spinal integrity, long-term mobility, and quality of life.
Your Next Step: A Smarter Path for Spine Care
If you are facing decisions about your spine—whether it’s surgery, injections, or nerve burning—pause and get the full picture.
Destructive treatments may offer a temporary band-aid, but they can cost you more in the long run.
There is a better way: one that respects the body’s design, supports tissue repair, and may help you move powerfully for years to come.
If you’d like a consult on whether your spine can benefit from this precision regenerative approach, reach out to us at Pain Experts. My goal is simple: help you stay strong, stable, and fully engaged in life—without sacrificing the future of your spine for short-term gain.
If you are ready to explore rhizotomy alternatives for back pain and want a treatment plan that respects the long-term integrity of your spine, I invite you to schedule a consultation at Pain Experts.
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