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Cauterization of nerves to relieve back pain

My pain doctor is planning to do  two procedures, injections, over two weeks to numb the minor nerves in the L4 and L5 disc.  If the numbness from these injections relieves the pain then he will cauterize these nerves.  Previously I have done a lot of physical therapy, daily exercises, and steroid injections with limited improvement .  
Interested in hearing from others who have experienced this procedure.  Thanks!
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hi Theresa,

Thank you for your comments and input. Welcome to our Pain Management Forum.

I am so sorry to hear that the relief you found through an RFA was so short lived. Namnam has been extremely fortunate that RFAs have brought her relief for years. That is not the normal - and I don't want ppl to get false hope. I am very happy that RFAs have been so effective for her. I wish it were true in all cases.

Pain relief from RFA generally lasts from six to 12 months. Obviously there are ppl that experience longer period of relief - there are also ppl that have shorter periods - such as yourself. Literature and research say the degree of pain relief will vary, depending on the cause and location of the pain. Those that have more severe pain due to more extreme conditions appear to have shorter periods of relief.

It should be encouraging to know that RFAs are effective in approximately 70% of patients.

You may find that a repeat RFA will be more effective. I've heard others say that it took twice to achieve the desired results.  

I hope you'll let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to hearing more from you.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck


  
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Avatar universal
I have DDD and severe nerve irritation in my lumbar spine.  I had tried the injections which gave me no relief.  I had the RFA procedure done approximately 3 months ago, and it was awesome.  I was able to exercise without pain and could do my daily tasks.  I still had some twitches of discomfort at times.  Unfortunately for me, the pain returned this last weekend and it is once again severe.  I am so discouraged and so tired of taking oral medications that I could scream.  I emailed my doctor today to see how frequently I can have the procedure done.  I have heard some people say that this procedure has helped them for extended periods of time.  I hope it works for you (there is a 50/50% success rate) and that it lasts a long time

Theresa
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Avatar universal
Hi hansonhunter and Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm so glad you have found us here on the PM (Pain Management) Forum at MH (MedHelp).  :)

What you are describing is the RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation).  I've been having this procedure since 2010 and it.yas made a world of difference to me in my Lumbar area.

The procedure can last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years.  I've had it done 3 times & the last 2 have lasted for 2 years each.  It totally, took my pain away down there.  I have DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) thru out my entire back from the Lumbar, Thoracic and the Cervical.  It didn't work as well for me in the other areas but I  the Lumbar it works great.  

I wish you the very best and hope you will set us know how you are doing after.your procedure.  :)

Looking forward 2 your updates!
                                  .........   Sherry   :)
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hello and Welcome,

Are you talking about an RFA of your nerves - after the injections?

I haven't had either procedures done. I know some of our members have. If you ask about an RFA you may get more responses. You can also search through our archives. I know there is a lot of information contained there.

I wish you well and hope you'll find pain relief.

Take Care,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
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