radio frequency ablation lower spine

[Micro]

ive had this treatment for joint pain there, quite a few, which have reduced the number of joints which hurt.

Also have had Fibromyalgia for many years.

It is now being suggested this treatment could cause the muscles down my front thighs not to work as well. Walking has been difficult for some time.....some due to the nerve painue to weakness Iold is Fibro.

My consultant said Fibro usually affects muscles in a widespread manner and doesn't just pick on the ones in my front thighs.

 I don't know what to believe now. No one else has come up with a reason for my walking probs....balance is poor, aching legs,shooting pains,legs,numbness, tingling, buzzing, creeping sensations a long time. Worsened this last few years,tho numbness has gone.

I had a nerve conduction test. The result was 'average for her age.'

im 74.

can anyone make any sense from this please ?



[Mitch48]

Hi there,

I’m sorry to hear that you are in pain & having several other problems. I don’t know a thing about Fibro but have cervical & lumbar spinal injuries which cause me severe pain and mobility issues etc (Im 52).

When did you last have an MRI on your lumbar spine? I take it before you had each RF Ablation? (I am a fan of such treatment, I’ve had it 5 times on my cervical spine). I had Impending Cauda Equina and Spondylolisthesis (2 vertebrae) last year & had extensive emergency surgery. I have been left with balance issues, numb feet & right lower leg etc. I have terrible electric shock pains down both legs & in my feet, I also have intense itching that affects both arms & both legs, along with severe muscle spasms. I’ve lots of other symptoms but they mainly affect my upper body.

Now I’m not saying that you could have either condition, I’m not a medic but we have some similarities, as there are often overlaps with medical conditions.

I would certainly ask your GP for a review, whether with them or a member of your pain management team. I understand that you’ve had NCS done and that they correspond with your age. Maybe an MRI is the next step, it would certainly show any changes from your last one and they’re much cheaper than RFA (I pay £500 for an MRI privately & around £3000 for RFA). It could mean that they’ll repeat the RFA, who knows, some things we have to put up with because there’s nothing that can be done (whether it means someone’s symptoms or MRI findings are not severe enough or whether there is some other barrier to surgery, for example age or a comobidity).

Please let me know how you get on.

Regards,

Mitch.

[Micro in reply to Mitch48]

Thanks so much.

[Carsok]

I had abalation done for severe canal stenosis in my lower back. I do remember when he was doing it to tell him when I felt anything going down my legs. As soon as I said something he stopped. Had it done again recently but it didn't work and went back for two shots and they've worked. Maybe what you're experiencing is related to abalation? I would ask doctor.

[Micro in reply to Carsok]

Thanks.ikk follow it up

[elaine2447]

I'm about your age and have the same problem but my EMG test revealed peripheral neuropathy which I started shortly after the first covid vax. Consultant said quite possibly as we dont know thd long term effects of these vaccines. I'm getting worse by the week.Two miles walk was nothing to me and now 209 metres is painful..

[Micro in reply to elaine2447]

Sorry you're having similar problems. I had a Nerve Conduction Test. Result 'normak for her age.'...done by Neurology 18 months ago.Then nil. Guess this is peripheral neuropathy too but no doc will say that.

The silence I get ref walking probs (at my docs) is so exasperating.. my GP, (July 2922 ) said twice,

'but us thus new ?' inferring it was no use me asking ref leg probs I've mentioned before and not to return unless I have a NEW symptom !

(I am trying another dic in the practice.

Since then I have

paid £200 to see an experienced Fibro consultant.. did blood test (normal if course) on N H S. Struggled weeks to get info. Still not got all inspire of paying. Heard he is pointing the finger at R F Ablation as a possible cause of weak muscle. At front of leg but cannot get the letter he promised....his comment came verbally from a secretary after many phone calls. Also ' see a neurologist ' so watch this space ! (A neurologist did the test in the first place.) That's prob another long wait. Silly me imagined this well thought if Fibro consultant would have more to offer. Been passed around, fobbed off a bit. Maybe I don't understand 'the game'. Felt confused when he seemed to avoid taking me on as a patient.

My thoughts are, after the wait for another neurologist it seems likely I'll be told there is no real treatment even if I get a diagnosis it may well be the usual EXERCISE AND MINDFULLNESS AGAIN Grrr. ex is difficult. I do my best.

Sure there's something I'm missing, but what ?

Thanks for your reply..appreciated.