Cryotherapy is most often used to treat nerve pain generated by peripheral nerves (nerves located outside of the spinal column). A special probe is carefully placed adjacent to a specific nerve.  This is most often done with the aid of x-ray guidance.  Once in the appropriate area the probe is first used to stimulate the affected nerve helping to verify correct positioning.  Once certain of proper placement, the tip is cooled to  temperatures between –50 C and –70 C absorbing heat from the surrounding tissue and causing a cryo lesion.  This results in reversible but very prolonged block of the pain signal.

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