My Spine - Cervical
Figure 12.1
This is a photo of the side of a cervical spine. ote the black spots that indi-
cate the area where the needles are placed to inactivate the nerves that sup-
ply the joint with pain sensation.
The needles are placed with the aid of an X-ray machine and a radiofrequen-
cy current is passed through an electrode that is fitted into the needles. This
is a relatively safe procedure. Pulsed radiofrequency is a safer procedure
than conventional radiofrequency procedures. Pulsed radiofrequency stuns
the nerve whereas conventional radiofrequency treatment is based on temper-
ature mediated damage of the nerve.
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