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
Good morning!
I had nerve ablation down my left side before Christmas. Unfortunately it hasn’t done anything for me.
Since the op I’ve had other side effects (feelings of pressure build up in my groin area, and other sharp pains I didn’t have before).
Happy to have had it done though as they couldn’t tell me either if it would work or not.
Thank you sorry to hear you have had a few issues since.
All good 
Have you tried the injections I know short term but something?
I’ve only had the steroid but they don’t offer those for my stenosis unfortunately
Ah sorry to hear that.
I have had it done twice. It helped more and longer than the xray guided injections. It was very painful but worth it as it was over in an hour. It does not last for ever though and I had a fusion in the end which was the best thing I ever did.
Hi Emma,Thanks for the response. A fusion was suggested as a last resort as not recommended as part of the NICE guidelines unless as part of a research. I am glad the fusion worked for you. Can you tell me a bit more about that?
The same disc kept on going, the very first time it was CE and I was rushed into a micro discectomy. it failed after a year and then again after 4 weeks, after the third op it lasted quite a while but then failed again. By that time a disc higher up went too. The surgeon who is not one to rush into operations did say as I have operated three times on the same disc it would be best to go for a fusion as it just isn't stable. So had the fusion done early 2020. It was far more involved and painful afterwards than the micro discectomies and you have to stay longer in hospital afterwards. but with determination and good physio after it took a couple of months to get over the worst, after that just lots of walking and regular exercises are keeping me in shape and off the painkillers. I do have regular massages and bought myself a theragun which is great. Aside from that Alexander Technique does also help. I am glad I went for the fusion as I am back to being my old self more or less.
I am sorry to hear all that you have been through bit glad it is working out OK for you xx
Emma. How do they diagnose CE? I had a l5 S1 fusion 2 years ago am and now being told I may need si joint fusion. My left left gets numb often and my last two toes go to sleep alot. On my daily walks I now have to wear a pad due to urine leakage😑. I saw Dr about 7 months ago and he prescribed pregablin and dud full xrays, not sure if I should make another appointment.
It is with all the symptoms you get. Then to be sure they do an MRI on which they can tell whether it is or not. They cannot tell this from an X-ray or so they tell me. Some urine leakage alone may not be enough for your GP to justify an MRI. Maybe you can ask your GP to refer you back to your specialist who can give you more of an answer.
Thank you. My gp did refer me back to PT and pain management but I feel like they are not really worth the expense. I am in the US so the visits are costly and really aren't helpful. Did you realize you had CE symptoms?
To be honest I did not even now what CE was until diagnosed. Looking back its similar to all your normal symptoms but far more intense and bladder symptoms. And of course if not treated can be rather devastating. I went to pain management after the first op as it kept on hurting but less intense. All they seem to want to do immediately is put you on pregabalin etc. I got dosed up to the eyeballs but still needed several injections and radio frequency and then ultimately another 3 ops (1 double). After the last I had had enough of all these meds and decided to come off them which took some time. I will never go back on them but of course that's personal for each person. I feel you might be best asking to be referred back to your specialist if possible. My pain guy actually referred me back to the surgeon but that might take some time and in your case money.
I've had it done twice and it helped me tremendously. The first was at L4-L5 and the second was at L3-L4. In both cases, the nerve and back pain was reduced and I have felt much better. The marketing brochure says it last about 9 months but I have had longer success. It's not that painful if done correctly. My doctor gives me Lidocaine injections at the sites where the probes are inserted to reduce the pain. I would recommend trying it if possible.
Thank you for the response that's great to hear and glad it worked for you and you have had some long term benefits.b He did say that they sedate you for the procedure.
So glad this helped you. Were these done by a pain management physician? Thanks.
Yes. She is actually an Anesthesiologist so she works by deadening nerves that cause the pain.
Thanks. I see a PM/anesthesiologist. I don't know if he does RFA but I'm consulting with another PM doctor in May and will ask him. My pain is in the pelvis and I've been diagnosed with pudendal neuralgia but I haven't had a positive response to several PN blocks or any others geared towards pelvic nerves. However, I also have spinal issues, including marked stenosis at L3 L4. That doesn't typically affect the pelvic region and I plan to consult with a spinal surgeon as well. But two weeks ago I had an L3 L4 block and I was numb for over three hours in my pelvis. I've had 12 injections over the last 2-3 years and that was the only one which provided any relief at all. So I'm wondering if RFA to L3 L4 would relieve pelvic pain. It doesn't typically affect the pelvic region but nothing about pain has been typical for me. I've had 5+ years of it and I can only sit for short periods. I've tried all kinds of meds and have seen several pelvic physical therapists and nothing has worked.
Hi I had a diagnostic medial branch which was not successful hence I was not suitable for further treatment
Not really, like you my problem is in my L5/Si joint with arthritis also higher up. I take amitriptyline as a muscle relaxant and co-codamol at night. During the day I try to get through with exercises and massages with an occasional visit to an osteopath who stretches my spine out. I just wish that I could afford to see her weekly. Years ago I had acupuncture through the pain management team which I found beneficial, unfortunately NICE put an end to that.
That's a really shame that the NHS don't do acupuncture anymore. I used to find that helped with muscle stiffness. I see a private physio about once a month who usually puts me back into alignment or sorts out any stiffness. I have all the gadgets and stretches to do which sometimes help. Sometimes though just heat, walking and resting helps.
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