Advanced Endoscopic Rhizotomy in Atlanta: Permanent Relief from Chronic Back Pain
If you’re suffering from chronic lower back pain, nerve pain, or leg numbness that won’t go away, endoscopic rhizotomy may be the breakthrough solution you’ve been searching for. Dr. Erik Bendiks is one of only three surgeons in Atlanta performing this cutting-edge procedure.
Unlike traditional radio frequency ablation (RFA), which typically provides temporary relief lasting 6 to 12 months, endoscopic rhizotomy offers significantly longer-lasting results—often 3 to 5 years—and boasts a higher success rate of 96.7% compared to RFA’s 70–80%.
Dr. Bendiks has years of experience treating conditions like spinal joint pain and extremity numbness through cutting-edge techniques. As a trusted Atlanta injury clinic, Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics is proud to bring endoscopic rhizotomy to patients seeking permanent pain relief.
What Is Endoscopic Rhizotomy?
Endoscopic rhizotomy is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery used to treat chronic nerve pain, especially in the lower back. This advanced procedure targets the medial branch nerves—small nerves near the spine that send pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. When these nerves become irritated or inflamed, they can cause chronic low pain and stiffness. Endoscopic rhizotomy works by disabling these pain-signaling nerves, offering long-lasting relief without the need for large incisions or spinal fusion.
What makes endoscopic rhizotomy different from traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the use of a small camera, or endoscope, that gives the surgeon direct visualization of the nerves. With this added precision, Dr. Erik Bendiks can identify and treat the exact source of pain with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
Compared to RFA, endoscopic rhizotomy has a higher success rate and longer-lasting results for chronic lower back pain, nerve pain, and leg numbness.
Conditions Treated With Endoscopic Rhizotomy
Endoscopic rhizotomy is an effective solution for a range of spine-related conditions that cause long-term pain and discomfort. It is especially helpful for patients who have not responded well to medications, physical therapy, or injections.
By targeting the medial branch nerve responsible for sending pain signals, this minimally invasive spine surgery can relieve symptoms caused by conditions like facet joint arthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Below are some of the most common conditions treated with endoscopic rhizotomy.
Chronic Lower Back Pain
One of the most frequent reasons patients seek endoscopic rhizotomy is for chronic lower back pain. This type of pain often stems from wear and tear on the spine, including conditions like facet joint arthritis or degenerative disc disease. When the joints in the spine become inflamed or irritated, they can cause ongoing pain that limits movement and impacts daily life. Endoscopic rhizotomy targets the nerve endings around these joints, offering longer-lasting relief compared to traditional treatments.
Nerve Pain
Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, can be sharp, burning, or shooting, and often doesn’t improve with standard pain relievers. Compressed or inflamed spinal nerves due to spinal stenosis or disc problems frequently cause nerve pain. Endoscopic rhizotomy helps by precisely disabling the affected medial branch nerves, stopping the pain signals at their source. Patients often report a dramatic improvement in their symptoms after this procedure.
Leg Numbness / Extremity Numbness
When spinal nerves are irritated or compressed, the result can be leg numbness or extremity numbness, often accompanied by tingling or weakness. These symptoms are frequently linked to spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, which narrow the spaces in the spine and put pressure on the nerves. By using an endoscope to directly visualize and treat the involved nerves, endoscopic rhizotomy can reduce pressure and restore normal nerve function, helping patients regain sensation and mobility.
Endoscopic Rhizotomy vs Radiofrequency Ablation
Endoscopic rhizotomy and traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are both used to treat nerve pain caused by irritated spinal joints, but the techniques are very different.
RFA is a blind-needle procedure, meaning the surgeon relies on X-rays and landmarks to estimate the location of the nerve, without actually seeing it. In contrast, endoscopic rhizotomy uses direct visualization through a tiny camera (endoscope), allowing the surgeon to clearly see and accurately treat the medial branch nerve responsible for the pain.
This added precision is one reason endoscopic rhizotomy has a much higher success rate and provides longer-lasting relief.
Benefits Compared to RFA
- Longer-lasting results: 3-5 years vs. 6-12 months for RFA
- Higher success rates: 96.7% vs. 70-80% for traditional RFA
The Procedure: What to Expect
On the day of the procedure, patients are given light sedation and local anesthesia to keep them comfortable. A small incision is made near the affected area of the spine. Through this opening, Dr. Erik Bendiks inserts a tiny camera called an endoscope, which allows him to see the medial branch nerves directly. With this clear view, he can accurately identify and treat the nerve that’s causing the pain.
Once the nerve is located, a specialized instrument is used to disable or sever the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals to the brain. This precise method reduces the risk of damaging nearby tissues, muscles, or structures. The entire procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many levels of the spine are being treated. Since it’s done on an outpatient basis, most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and Long-Term Results
Recovery from endoscopic rhizotomy is usually much quicker than with traditional spine surgery. Because the incision is small and the surrounding tissue is left mostly untouched, there is less pain and a lower risk of complications. Common side effects of endoscopic rhizotomy include mild soreness or bruising at the incision site.
Patients are encouraged to walk shortly after the procedure and can usually return to light activity within a few days. Full recovery varies depending on the individual, but most people resume normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
Many patients begin to notice pain relief within a few days to a few weeks. Results typically last for 3-5 years, compared to 6-12 months for RFA. While endoscopic rhizotomy provides long-lasting relief, the treated nerves can eventually regenerate over time. If that happens, the procedure can be performed again.
Why Choose Dr. Bendiks for Endoscopic Rhizotomy?
Dr. Erik Bendiks is a highly experienced spine specialist and one of only three surgeons in Atlanta currently performing endoscopic rhizotomy. With advanced training in orthopedic and spine surgery, Dr. Bendiks has spent years helping patients overcome debilitating conditions through the most effective, minimally invasive techniques available.
Dr. Bendiks is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, a leading spine surgeon and researcher, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has been nominated as a Top Doctor by the International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, lectured at numerous conferences, and taught other spine surgeons on new techniques and technology.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Endoscopic Rhizotomy?
Endoscopic rhizotomy is an excellent option for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain, nerve pain, or leg/extremity numbness caused by conditions such as facet joint arthritis, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
Good candidates are typically individuals who have tried conservative treatments, like physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections, without lasting relief. If pain continues to interfere with daily life and mobility despite these efforts, endoscopic rhizotomy may be the next step.
The Diagnosis and Consultation Process
Before recommending the procedure, Dr. Erik Bendiks performs a detailed evaluation. This usually begins with a comprehensive physical exam and a review of your medical history, symptoms, and any previous treatments. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, is often used to identify the source of pain and assess the condition of the spine.
In some cases, a temporary medial branch nerve block may be performed to confirm whether the targeted nerves are the true source of pain. If the block brings temporary relief, it’s a strong indicator that endoscopic rhizotomy could provide lasting results.
Dr. Bendiks will also explain other possible treatment options. These may include continued physical therapy, traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or other minimally invasive spine surgeries, depending on the severity and nature of the condition.
If endoscopic rhizotomy is determined to be the best option, patients can feel confident knowing they’re in expert hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a rhizotomy last?
The answer to this question depends on the type of rhizotomy performed. Traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) typically provides relief for 6 to 12 months, while endoscopic rhizotomy offers longer-lasting results, usually between 3 to 5 years. Because endoscopic rhizotomy allows the surgeon to see and treat the nerve directly, it tends to deliver more complete and longer-term relief from pain.
What is the success rate of a rhizotomy?
Success rates vary depending on the technique. Traditional RFA has a success rate of 70% to 80%, while endoscopic rhizotomy has a success rate of up to 96.7%. This higher success rate is largely due to the use of direct visualization, which allows for more precise treatment of the medial branch nerves that are responsible for chronic back and nerve pain.
How much is an endoscopic rhizotomy?
At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we understand that financial stress should never be a barrier to getting the care you need after a serious injury. That’s why we do not work through traditional insurance networks. Instead, we operate on a medical lien basis.
This means we provide treatment upfront without requiring payment at the time of service. We work directly with your personal injury attorney, allowing you to receive specialized procedures like Endoscopic Rhizotomy without out-of-pocket costs. Payment for medical services is deferred until your case is resolved.
Our focus is on restoring your health, not on billing insurance companies. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident and need real medical care now, we’re ready to help.
What are the side effects of endoscopic rhizotomy?
Endoscopic rhizotomy is a safe and well-tolerated procedure, but like any medical treatment, it may come with some side effects. Common side effects include mild soreness or bruising at the incision site, temporary numbness, or muscle spasms. In rare cases, patients may experience infection, bleeding, or irritation of nearby nerves.
However, because this is a minimally invasive spine surgery with direct visualization, the risk of complications is low compared to traditional procedures. Dr. Erik Bendiks and his team take every precaution to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.
How many times can you have a rhizotomy?
A rhizotomy can be repeated if the pain returns after the effects wear off. While endoscopic rhizotomy provides long-lasting relief, the treated nerves can eventually regenerate over time. If that happens, the procedure can safely be performed again. However, many patients experience years of relief before needing a repeat treatment, or may not need one at all.
Contact Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics Today
If you’re tired of living with chronic back pain, nerve pain, or leg numbness that keeps coming back, endoscopic rhizotomy could be the long-lasting solution you’ve been waiting for. With its high success rate and minimally invasive approach, this advanced procedure offers long-term relief.
At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, Dr. Erik Bendiks brings expert-level care and precision to every procedure, helping patients return to active, pain-free lives. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if endoscopic rhizotomy is right for you.
