Cryotherapy is a method of "freezing" nerves in an attempt to decrease pain. This freezing is done by inserting a probe (about the size of a pencil lead) close to/or on the affected area. The probe is cooled by a gas called nitrous oxide. The area is anesthetized or "numbed" before the probe is inserted, but you can expect to feel some pressure and discomfort.
Cryotherapy can be performed on numerous areas. The most frequent areas are the nerves that go to the chest (intercostals) and the occipital nerves to the base of the skull. The cryo procedure usually lasts 30 minutes. It can be performed more than once to the same area. You may be asked not to eat or drink six hours before the procedure, but you may take your regularly scheduled medicine with a small sip of water. You may have an IV for the procedure, for the purpose of providing you with some sedated. Regardless of whether you are sedated, you will need a driver to take you home. Afterwards you can expect soreness at the site where the probe was inserted. This area where the probe was inserted should heal in 2-3 days. If it becomes red, irritated, or begins to drain, you should contact your physician. If you develop difficulty breathing or shortness of breath after the procedure, contact your physician.
Cryotherapy usually produces variable pain relief, which can last from two weeks to four months, on the average. After this time, the procedure may be repeated in order to attempt further pain control.