Radio Frequency Ablation for scoliosis pain?

[Linneayellow]

Has anyone had radio frequency ablation for pain in facet joints from scoliosis? Any negative effects or positive results?

[CO_mtnLady]

Hi! Linneayellow, I am a 68 year-old female with comparable issues. I just saw your post after searching for “RF Ablation” information.I, too, have degenerative scoliosis (a double curved spine) and degenerative osteoarthritis in both the left and right SI joints, along with lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) in my left leg. Subsequent to bilateral SI joint injections (with steroids) and bilateral injections with a numbing agent into the L3-4 and L4-5 facet joints (brutal procedure) which did not help at all. I am now considering RF Ablation. Of course, they still have to perform 2 sets of facet injections from L3-4; L4-5 and L5-S1 and obtain a positive result before proceeding with the ablation.Have you gone ahead with the RF Ablation procedure? It appears this is the last procedure my physician is considering before recommending surgical intervention. However, I am NOT considering surgery due to the incredible risks with the involved nerves.

Although I am mostly bedridden due to the chronic low back pain and left leg sciatica, I used to handle comparable injury/medical cases for over 30 years. I have rarely seen positive outcomes with lumbar surgeries with the exception of a minor laminectomy or discectomy.

Sorry I am unable to report positive or negative outcome from RF Ablation. If you haven’t obtained it yet, we can keep in touch to determine if it helps either of us.

I live in a small town in southwestern Colorado and it has been challenging to find physicians here or in New Mexico whose opinion I would appreciate.

Please tell me how you are doing? I suppose every back is different and I realize my issues are convoluted.

I look forward to your response.

Best wishes,

Florence