Chemical Neurolysis
in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Long-term interruption of pain pathways using neurolytic agents. Highly effective for persistent localized pain where other nerve blocks provide only temporary relief.
What Is Chemical Neurolysis?
Chemical neurolysis is a procedure that uses neurolytic agents (such as alcohol or phenol) to intentionally damage specific nerves that are transmitting chronic pain signals. Unlike temporary nerve blocks that use anesthetic, neurolysis provides longer-lasting pain relief by disrupting the nerve's ability to conduct signals for an extended period.
This treatment is typically reserved for patients with severe, persistent pain that has not responded adequately to more conservative interventional approaches. Dr. Bhakta carefully evaluates each case, often performing diagnostic blocks first to confirm the target nerve before proceeding with neurolysis.
The procedure is performed under imaging guidance to ensure precision and safety, targeting only the specific pain-transmitting nerves while preserving surrounding nerve function.
Conditions Treated
Intractable Facet Joint Pain
Severe, chronic facet-mediated back pain that has not responded to RFA or injections.
Chronic Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Persistent SI joint pain unresponsive to injections or radiofrequency treatment.
Refractory Sciatica
Severe sciatic nerve pain that hasn't responded to epidural steroids or other options.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Chronic nerve root pain in the neck and arm after other treatments have failed.
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Intractable nerve root pain radiating from the lower back into the leg.
Cancer-Related Pain
Severe pain from malignancy where other therapies are inadequate.
Learn More from Trusted Medical Sources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bhadresh L. Bhakta, M.D.
Board-Certified Interventional Pain Specialist
Fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at Vanderbilt University. Board Certified for decades. Formerly served as Associate Professor at OU School of Medicine. Serving Tulsa since 2000.
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