Understanding Neurotomy: When Pain Management Targets the Nerves

A patient called today asking about a neurotomy, and I’ll admit — I had to look it up myself. The word sounded familiar, but I wanted to be sure before answering. What I found was actually fascinating.

A neurotomy is a procedure that involves cutting or disrupting a specific nerve to stop it from sending signals — most often, pain signals. In some cases, it’s done surgically; in others, it’s done through a technique called radiofrequency neurotomy, where controlled heat is used to interrupt the nerve’s ability to transmit pain.

At first, the thought of cutting a nerve sounds alarming. So I found myself wondering — don’t we need all our nerves?

The truth is, we do. Our nerves are essential for movement, touch, and the way our bodies communicate with the brain. But sometimes, one nerve becomes overactive or misfires, constantly sending pain messages even when nothing’s actually wrong.

In that case, a doctor can identify that specific nerve and “turn it off,” much like switching off a faulty light in a large house. The rest of the lights — the other nerves — stay on and continue working just fine.

It’s amazing how the body works, and even more amazing how medicine can bring relief in such a precise way.