I heard there’s a new treatment in Switzerland for low back pain called kryorhizotomy. What’s it for?

Kryorhizotomy is a way to destroy the nerve to the joints in the low back. These joints are called facet joints. The facet joints allow movement of the spine such as bending forwards, sideways, or backwards. Rotation or twisting motions also occur at the facet joints.

Like all joints, the facet joints suffer damage with use and aging. The result is pain and loss of motion. By injecting the joint with a local anesthetic, doctors can make sure the pain is coming from the joint. If the test is positive, the nerve to the joint can be permanently destroyed. This reduces or eliminates the pain.

Kryorhizotomy uses a freezing agent to kill the nerve. It’s safe and effective when used with patients who don’t have any numbness and tingling. It’s best used with patients who haven’t had any previous back surgery.