Alafoto Loc: Montgomery, AL

Later this month I am scheduled to have a procedure called 'radiofrequency ablation' and wonder if any of my fellow hoggers have any experience with this. I have excruciating back pain, partly because I'm 76 years old, but mostly because I didn't take very good care of myself when I was younger. The procedure, as explained to me involves finding the nerves that transmit the pain signal to the brain, then causing a lesion with the use of pulses of high frequency radio waves which blocks the transmission of the pain signals.

If any of you have undergone this treatment, I'd much appreciate hearing of your experiences.

Please stay safe, everyone.

Ferris Loc: South Carolina

[quote=Alafoto]Later this month I am scheduled to have a procedure called 'radiofrequency ablation' and wonder if any of my fellow hoggers have any experience with this. I have excruciating back pain, partly because I'm 76 years old, but mostly because I didn't take very good care of myself when I was younger. The procedure, as explained to me involves finding the nerves that transmit the pain signal to the brain, then causing a lesion with the use of pulses of high frequency radio waves which blocks the transmission of the pain signals
If any of you have undergone this treatment, I'd much appreciate hearing of your experiences.

I have not had it though it was suggested. I will provide you a quote from “UpToDate,” which is a respected source for review of medical literature.
“ We suggest not using radio frequency denervation in the management of chronic low back pain. The available data are inconsistent and suggest that,compared with placebo, (it) may modestly reduce pain in the short-term; however there does not appear to be clear long-term benefit. When added to a treatment regimen that includes a regular exercise program and psychologic support, radiofrequency denervation provides little additional benefit.”
That being said, it may help some people, for some time. If it can reduce the pain enough that it means you can get by with non-narcotic drugs. My reluctance was based on the above reference and my personal belief is we experience pain for a reason, and that is to warn us to avoid something that may make the underlying problem worse.
Chronic back pain is a major problem. There are a lot of causes, which demand a lot of different solutions.
Good luck.

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

I had similar treatment of my arthritic knee - first treatment gave me 3 months relief. Second treatment a few weeks later just a few days relief. I've since had a total knee replacement. Also had back pain from degenerated discs which was relieved by having discs fused. I'm also 76 but have always been active - cycling, golf, hiking - still am but now having to have treatment for Prostate cancer. I guess one day I'll give up but not just yet with children, grandchildren and now Great-grandchildren being absolutely wonderful. Good luck & hope your pain is banished. JohnR

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I had RF Ablation done to (inside) my heart, for Atrial Flutter (precursor to Afib).
No problem.

Sorry, never had it for pain control though.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

UpToDate is a well-respected authority and a great source for evidence-based medical guidance.
Sounds like a second opinion might be in your interest.

home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

If I understand the physical therapist I use correctly that procedure it is temporary and usually used to reduce pain during physical therapy. The hope is therapy will reduce the long term pain

apacs1 Loc: Lansdale, PA

I suggest you get medical opinions from physicians. Get a second or even a third opinion. Using information from UHH to make a medical decision is not a great idea - it's like asking your plumber what lens to use in a particular situation.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I tore L4 & L5 in 2010. I had a few radio frequency sessions. My recollection is it was not very helpful.
I still suffer with lingering pain. I'm 85.
Mark

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

I had this done years ago for severe back pain. The procedure itself was EXTREMELY painful. Think about it. They are burning nerve in two. The result was only temporary...about 2-3 months when the nerve regenerates. In my opinion, this procedure is done to document the need for subsequent spinal surgery. Ask your Dr. why he wants to fo this for only short term benefit.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Also my experience!
Mark

home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Always ask the doctor. Just ask the right "how long do the positive effects last" I asked that question of my back doctor and he said " couple of weeks to many months; but the nerves do grow back"

Xanadu Loc: Clay County FL

Yes, I have had this procedure - with mixed results. When it works, the pain subsides over a period of two weeks. Sometimes the relief can last as long as 6 or 7 months. I have also had pain return as early as 3 to 4 months.
My last effort resulted in no relief.
I am guessing the efficacy of the procedure is based on the skill and experience of the provider.

I can sympathize with your situation. I am 81 and there seems to be no relief except medication and exercises designed to address your condition.
Good luck.

Bayou

A 77 year old relative recently had this done. Helped not at all.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Radio Frequency Ablation, when used for spine pain, is aimed at the nerves that go to the facet joints - the joints between each vertebra. It is not for degenerative disc disease spine pain, although DDD causes the discs to shrink, which then leads to things like bone spurs and arthritic changes in the facet joints - thus the RFA procedure. Sometimes an injection in the facet joints is done first to determine what levels are involved and to make sure that the pain is actually coming from the arthritic facet joint. The RFA only destroys the tiny end nerves at the joint - it doesn't damage the main spinal nerves that come out and allow you to move your muscles and to feel things. Those tiny nerves grow back, but that often takes a year or so - so the procedure does not offer permanent relief, but most of my patients generally were pretty happy with the relief they got. I had a large number of patients who requested a referral for a repeat RFA because the one they had a few years before helped a lot but the pain was coming back. Good luck with it.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Have you tried a GOOD chiropractor? Sometimes they can do wonders.