Endoscopic Discectomy is a minimally-invasive technique used to treat pain caused by spinal disc problems. Endoscopic discectomy allows for the removal of herniated disc material under direct endoscopic visualization, and is usually performed in an out-patient setting with no general anesthesia. Laser ablation can be used when appropriate. This leads to faster recovery with much less surgical pain and lower risk, since general anesthesia is avoided.

Endoscopic Rhizotomy is a treatment for painful facet joint arthritis of the lumbar area of the spine. Nerves in the facet joints transmit the sensation of pain from the facet to the brain. During minimally-invasive endoscopic rhizotomy, a small probe is inserted into the patient’s back and the nerves that supply the facet joints are cut or destroyed under direct endoscopic visualization. Laser ablation can be used when appropriate.

Successful pain relief is achieved in 80-90% of patients and typically lasts from 2-5 years. This is a much more effective way to treat pain from facet arthritis than more commonly used fluoroscopically guided radio-frequency techniques.

Pain care patients describe their experiences with Dr. Ron Linehan, MD, Medical Director of Precision Pain Care in Lancaster, Ohio. Precision Pain Care serves patients from Lancaster, Canal Winchester, Pickerington, Columbus, Logan, Nelsonville, Athens, Chillicothe and Baltimore, Ohio.