Chronic low back pain can make everyday life feel like a constant battle. If you’ve been dealing with persistent pain from arthritis in your spine's facet joints, you know how much it affects your sleep, your work, and the activities you love. The good news is that relief no longer has to come from surgery or needles. Needleless nerve ablation is a modern, non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to target and quiet the nerves responsible for your pain.
At The Physicians Spine and Rehabilitation Specialists, we are proud to offer this innovative technology as part of our commitment to non-surgical pain care. Our providers use the Neurolyser XR, a High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system specifically designed to treat chronic low back pain caused by lumbar facet joint arthritis. Using real-time X-ray guidance, the Neurolyser XR precisely targets the medial branch nerves sending pain signals from your facet joints, then uses controlled heat to disrupt those signals at their source. It is a safe, effective option for patients who have not found relief through medication or physical therapy alone.
Ready to explore whether needleless nerve ablation is right for you? Request an appointment with The Physicians today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Needleless nerve ablation at The Physicians uses a device called the Neurolyser XR, which is powered by High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology. HIFU works by focusing multiple ultrasound beams into a precise point inside the body, similar to how a magnifying glass focuses light into a single concentrated beam. When those focused waves reach the bone-tissue interface where your lumbar medial branch nerves are located, the bone absorbs the energy, creating a small, controlled area of heat. That heat disrupts the nerve tissue responsible for transmitting your pain signals, providing relief without ever breaking the skin.
The procedure is performed right in our office with real-time X-ray guidance. You will lie comfortably on a treatment table while a gel pad is placed on your back to help the ultrasound waves travel efficiently. Your doctor will use fluoroscopic imaging to pinpoint the exact location of the nerves involved. Once the target is confirmed, the Neurolyser XR probe is positioned on your back, and the treatment begins. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, and you remain awake throughout. There are no needles, no incisions, and no general anesthesia required.
Because no tissue is cut and nothing is inserted into your body, recovery is much faster compared to traditional procedures. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities shortly after the appointment. Clinical research on the Neurolyser XR has shown strong results: in a prospective study, 82.6% of patients reported significant pain relief at six months following the procedure. These outcomes are comparable to traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA), but with fewer associated risks and a better overall patient experience.
Needleless nerve ablation is intended for patients with chronic low back pain caused by arthritis in the lumbar facet joints, particularly those who have already confirmed a positive response to a lumbar medial branch block. If you have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication without adequate relief, this may be the next step forward. The Physicians will review your history, imaging, and prior treatment responses to help determine whether you are a good candidate.
Needleless nerve ablation is a non-invasive procedure that uses High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to relieve chronic low back pain. Unlike traditional radiofrequency ablation, it requires no needles or incisions. Instead, focused ultrasound energy is directed at the lumbar medial branch nerves, using controlled heat to disrupt the pain signals they send from the facet joints. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and requires no general anesthesia.
Needleless nerve ablation is designed for patients with chronic low back pain that originates from arthritis in the lumbar facet joints. It is most appropriate for those who have already had a positive response to a diagnostic lumbar medial branch block and have not found sufficient relief through conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy. Your provider at The Physicians will review your full medical history to determine whether you are a good fit.
The Neurolyser XR treatment typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Because it is completely non-invasive, with no needles, cuts, or general anesthesia involved, most patients experience minimal discomfort and are able to return to their regular activities shortly afterward. Recovery time is significantly shorter than with traditional surgical or needle-based procedures, making it a convenient option for patients with busy lifestyles.
Scheduling with The Physicians is simple. You can request an appointment online or call us directly, and we will work to get you seen within 72 hours. With six locations across the greater Atlanta area, including Sandy Springs, Marietta, Stockbridge, Rome, Calhoun, and Duluth, expert pain care is never far away. We look forward to helping you find the relief you deserve.