The facet joints are often the primary source of pain for many back painsufferers. Facet joints are small joints located in pairs on the back of thespine that provide stability to the spine and allow the spine to move and be flexible.

The goal of S.E.R.T. is either a cervical facet rhizotomy or lumbar facet rhizotomy, to provide pain relief by ‘shutting off’ the pain signals that the joints send to the brain. The pain relief experienced by most patients who have this procedure is generally permanent.

Patients who are candidates for S.E.R.T. typically have undergone several facet joint injections to verify the source and exact location of their pain. Using a local anesthetic and image guidance, a small endoscope is used to help the surgeon access the facet joints and sever the pain receptors permanently. The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes. Afterwards, patients are monitored for a short time before being released.