Ablation for lower back pain L4-5 S1

I had radio frequency ablation for cervical stenosis and facet joint syndrome (severe). After ablation on both the left and right side of my upper spine and at multiple levels I have had much improvement. All of the pain is not gone but things are much better. I hope you get similar results.

I have similar pain and I'm scheduled for a stimulator in a few wks. Two pain docs told me an ablation would not help my condition

Just make sure they give you enough anesthetic because it is a painful procedure.

It works pretty well for 6 Mos to a year. I had three

Do they do the RFAs on the nerves in the facet joints ?

I about flew off the table as well with the nerve block. And the bigger problem was it after taking the block I kept falling down. Even in the dressing room. So I really couldn’t test very well if it eliminated the pain.

I also had the ablation and it really didn’t bother me at all (take a Xanax first), but the ablation did zero for me.

Yes. https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-procedure-and-recovery
They can also be done in the sacro-iliac joint.

jsyjackmayo,
I have had many RFAs they only help me for a week or so but I figure that's better than nothing and the required test before the RFA would give me relief for a day! I have also had the spine stimulator implanted I would rate it as less helpful than a tens, at least with a tens I would feel relief at the site while it was on and as long as it didn't get caught on something and come unpluged. With the tens I was always having problems with it getting caught on something or just bumping on stuff. With the stimulator you have to wear the belt with the (I call it a mini MRI attachment) to charge it for HRs on end once it is charged I can only feel the stimulation going down my leg ? It is a Medtronic spine stimulator with 3 stations.....I also have a pain pump implant that is a Medtronic. If when I get the spine fusion the surgeon made a comment (Let's get that pain pump out of you ?) Well see about that ?

I had ablation performed in 2022…L4/5 area. This was the last treatment prior to fusion in June 2023. The ablation lasted nearly 8 mos. It was heaven! Unfortunately, when it wore off…it was significantly worse than pre treatment. Had corticosteroids, stem cells, Prolotherapy, PT, ablation and fusion. I still have some pain, but it’s better. I think you will be amazed, but know it doesn’t last forever.

I had my RFA 3 days ago. I thank you for the anesthesia reminder. I asked them not to start till I was out I kept telling them I'm still awake. I'm feeling pretty good. Hope it works have right side done in 2 weeks. Thank you.

Thank you all for your comments they helped me to get through this. I had the nerve block in the doctor's office I screamed. It was very painful told the doctor to stop. He was very kind and helped me get through the to the end. I was very nervous going forward with the RFA.