Radio frequency nerve abalation spinal/facet joints

[AMS_1]

Hi just wanted to check if anyone has had nerve abalations. Ongoing history 10 years l5/s1 disc degeneration disc bulge more recently facet joint issues l4/5. Had various injections over the years and due to have some facet joint injections shortly after a recent flare.

I have asked to go on the list for nerve abalation but consultant couldn't give me any guarantees success rates etc.

Just wanted an idea of experiences?

Thanks

[MichaelDah]

Hello AMS_1

I don't think anyone will give you a 100% guarantee, but there are a number of preliminary examinations that should be done before such an intervention with which you get a probability of success. These include, among other things, a provocation test that serves to get an indication for further inversive diagnostics (if no one is positive, then no test blockade should take place).

If the tests are positive, a diagnostic test blockade should first be carried out. If at least 50% pain reduction is achieved during the test blockade, then this is an indication for RF denervation.

I don't know if you have already been diagnosed. Normally, with several test blocks, you can give a relatively good prognosis about the effectiveness of the treatment. If this has already happened and there are doubts on the part of the specialists, I would not have the treatment carried out.

Best regards

Michael

[AMS_1 in reply to MichaelDah]

Thanks Michael for your response. The consultant has said because there has been some pain relief with the facet joint injections (short term) that he would be content to go ahead with the procedure.

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi. Sorry haven’t replied sooner as only just happened across this forum. I'm normally on the RA site. You may very well have had answers by now.

I’ve had two radio-frequency ablations for sacro-iliac joint pain and facet joint problems - like you l4/5. I also have degenerative disc disease and the usual problems of an ageing, arthritic spine. The first ablation was in January 2020 and worked well. The effect lasted about 18 months before I started getting pain on walking again and I had a second ablation in February 2022 which has lasted more or less until last October. I am due a third next Friday week.

They won’t do them within two years of each procedure and there is no guarantee of success - your consultant is right to say that but I’ve found they’ve worked really well for me and have been lucky that I’ve had distinct relief from back stiffness, the inability to bend and the pain on walking.

The actual procedure itself is uncomfortable but not painful and takes about 30 minutes. You lie on a ramp face down and the heated electrodes are introduced into your back guided by flash x-rays. The operators are very skilled and although you feel a pushing sensation it’s only that. You’re up and about straight away, there’s no sedation involved and you don’t feel any pain after the procedure. I didn’t anyway! You can’t drive after it for 24 hrs though as your insurance would be invalid so if you have it done someone needs to drive you.

It’s certainly worth pushing for as it might very well work for you so good luck if you do have it done.

[AMS_1 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Ah thank you really appreciate your reply and glad it has helped you.