A cervical dorsal root rhizotomy, also called a cervical dorsal root neurotomy, is an outpatient surgical procedure that treats spasticity (stiff muscles) and pain.
These symptoms are often caused by a compressed (pinched) nerve in the neck, arthritis, facet joint syndrome, or other health issues that affect the cervical spine.
UPMC surgeons use the latest, safest techniques to provide expert cervical dorsal root rhizotomy treatment for people who have chronic neck pain that has not responded to nonsurgical care or nerve blocks.
A cervical dorsal root rhizotomy is a surgical procedure to treat pain caused by a compressed (pinched) nerve in the neck or other cervical spine condition. It also may be called a cervical dorsal root neurotomy.
During the procedure, your surgeon will close some sensory nerve fibers from your muscles and enter your spinal cord. After the surgeon deactivates the nerve fibers, they cannot transmit pain signals to your brain.
Your surgeon may use different techniques to deactivate your nerves.
These include:
Rhizotomy is the name of the procedure to deactivate your nerves. Ablation refers to the approach used to deactivate your nerves. Chemical and radiofrequency energy are types of ablation. The other approach to rhizotomy is surgical cutting of the nerves.
Cervical dorsal rood rhizotomy treats nerve pain caused by spine-related health issues.
These issues include:
You may need a cervical dorsal root rhizotomy if other treatments haven't worked. These include nonsurgical treatments and surgical sympathectomy (steroid block).
If you still have uncontrolled pain or steroid nerve blocks wear off too quickly, this procedure may be an option. A cervical dorsal root rhizotomy may provide months or years of pain relief.
You may be a candidate for cervical dorsal root rhizotomy if you are having neck pain that has not responded to other treatments. Your doctor will tell you if you are a candidate and what treatment approach is best for your condition.
Alternatives to cervical dorsal root rhizotomy include nonsurgical care.
This includes:
As with any surgery, cervical dorsal root rhizotomy surgery comes with some risks.
Possible complications include:
Rhizotomy procedures do not work for everyone. Sometimes, you can experience mild side effects or complications from the procedure. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks before your procedure.
Before surgery, you will meet with your surgical team and have a physical exam. Your surgical team may order tests.
These tests may include:
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:
On the day of your procedure, bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
After your procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital, or they will discharge you the same day, depending on your doctor's assessment. Your doctor will let you know what to expect.
If you stay overnight, you should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medicines, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after the care team discharges you.
Cervical dorsal root rhizotomy usually takes about an hour but may take more or less time, depending on your condition and the treatment approach your surgeon uses.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will meet with your care team for final preparations.
Depending on your doctor's recommendation, you may receive an IV and general anesthesia or local anesthesia.
If you receive general anesthesia, you will be asleep for the procedure. If you receive local anesthesia, you will be awake but feel no pain.
After you receive anesthesia, the surgeons will help you get into position under a type of x-ray machine called a fluoroscope. During a radiofrequency or chemical rhizotomy procedure, your surgeon will:
If you are having an open or endoscopic cervical dorsal root rhizotomy, your surgeon will make an incision in your skin before identifying, testing, and deactivating your nerve by cutting it.
After your procedure, your surgeon will remove the needle, close your incision, and ensure your condition is stable.
After your procedure, the care team will monitor you in recovery. Your doctor will let you know if it is safe for you to go home or if you need to spend a night in the hospital. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital after the care team discharges you.
Before you go home, your doctor will tell you:
You will have general or local anesthesia during your procedure, so you will not feel any pain. After the procedure, the treatment area may feel sore for a few days.
Most people can safely resume their everyday activities within a day or two after their procedure. However, if you have an incision, your doctor may tell you to avoid strenuous activities until your incision heals.
A cervical dorsal root rhizotomy may provide pain-control results that last for months or years.
When to call your doctor about post-op problems
You should let your surgeon know if you have:
Most people can live full and active lives after cervical dorsal root rhizotomy.
Nerves can grow back after a rhizotomy procedure, causing pain to return. However, this typically takes several months or years to happen. If needed, you can get another rhizotomy procedure.
Most people who have a cervical dorsal root rhizotomy procedure experience long-lasting pain and symptom relief. However, the procedure does not work for everyone. Your doctor will talk to you about the expected results of your procedure.
UPMC surgeons use the least invasive, most effective approach to treating all spinal nerve disorders. Our team is at the forefront of the latest rhizotomy approaches using advanced devices and techniques, promoting safer surgeries, improved outcomes, and enhanced quality of life.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-06-26.
