Any get an ablation/rhizotomy for back pain? Results? Do it again?

Posted by spclk. (Karen) @spclk, Jun 13, 2024

Hi all,
Had a laminectomy with fusion 12/2022. I am still moving like I’m 110. I hurt all the time. I just rx’d a Medrol dose pack last week for myself, with no results. That has never happened. They have always worked in the past.

Have had 2 epidurals with new guy that worked. Need third. Referral went out for ‘dual epidurals w/ablation’. I’m afraid to do the ablation (rhizotomy = same thing). It seems so final - burning nerve tracts.

Thoughts? Anyone else do the ablation? I don’t know whether I’d be better to get the spinal stimulator or the ablation. Results if you did the ablation.

I’ am currently wearing a ‘bone growth stimulator’, even though on MRI and x-rays seem to be WNL. Doc thinks this ‘may strengthen my bones’. I’ve been doing the 2 hr daily treatment since 12/23/2023. No improvement to speak of.

I am a ‘traveling’ nurse practitioner, and seem to do a tiny bit better when walking more, moving around. Until my back decides to lock up and I can’t stand. After spasm passes, I can move, but not gracefully. I pretty much flop into a chair, have to pull myself up or get to end of chair and push off.

TIA for any help. Also, if you don’t mind, please share the docs/clinics y’all are using.

I have been going into Orlando for my surgery/epidurals, because we live out at the beach. Wouldn’t bring my dog out here! We are going on Saturday to look at another house in Yulee, FL - ~20 mile's from JAX. I’m hoping this is the clinics y’all are going to!!

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kburt911 | @kburt911 | Jul 23, 2024

I have had the ablation L3, L4 and L5. Unfortunately it didn't do what we had hoped for. Two weeks ago I had a spinal stimulator implanted and so far no results.
I have severe buttock and thigh pain on my right side. It feels a lightening bolt constantly zapping me.

bostongal23 | @bostongal23 | Feb 12 6:02am

In reply to @gilkesl "Mayo Clinic Jacksonville Dr Nottmeier neurosurgeon. Need a doctor's referral to see him." + (show)

@gilkesl I went through Spine clinic, they wanted me to just do PT, I said NO PT until I see a neurosurgeon and I want Dr Nottmier. I was approved to see him and so glad I did. This is for cervical neck herniations and facet issues.

bostongal23 | @bostongal23 | Feb 12 6:04am

In reply to @spclk "Thanks for the referral. Question - why do I need a doc’s referral? Just curious. K" + (show)

@spclk start with Mayo Spine clinic then tell them you want a neurosurgeon consult with Dr Nottmier. I insisted on it, Dr Nottmier went over my MRI in detail and ordered another test.

bostongal23 | @bostongal23 | Apr 27 5:32am

Mayo neurosurgery requires a referral from your primary care doc or Mayo Spine clinic. I was told I had to see the spine clinic first. It’s not an insurance rule it’s a Mayo rule

jeaniem | @jeaniem | Apr 28 7:15am

I had one for si joint, it did not help me. Neither did having the joint fused.

jmac3690 | @jmac3690 | Apr 28 9:54pm

Im in exact same spot except my first fusion was 2018. Second fusion, 2 discectomies. Failed back syndrome, radiculopathy, nerve root disorder and dextroscoliosis (was just told this from last ct). L1 rupture with scar tissue, L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 broadbase ruptures and moderate stenosis L1-2. Did guided epidural L5-S-1 last week hasn t worked yet. Get up in am cannot stand, knees buckle from pain. Learned to put all my weight on one leg first and let back “wake up”
Then inch my way transferring all weight to other leg. Surgeons seem to think if they did good structural surgeries problem solved., told me need pt and pain mgmt. I take gabapentin, muscle relaxers tylenol. All i can do is sit now or lay on side. They are wanting ablation or pain stim. Im terrified neither will work. What then😭😭😭 Houston texas surgeons.

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Apr 29 8:56am

In reply to @jmac3690 "Im in exact same spot except my first fusion was 2018. Second fusion, 2 discectomies. Failed..." + (show)

@jmac3690 It seems that you have two choices... either have the ablation/stimulator surgery or just try to learn to deal with the pain. The answer seems clear.

dhyun | @dhyun | Apr 29 9:29am

Radiofrequency Ablation (rhizotomy) isn’t permanent since the targeted facet joint nerves typically regrow in 6–18 months and many people repeat it if effective, often getting moderate relief for several months when pain is facet-related (especially after successful test blocks), but results can be less predictable after fusion and it won’t help nerve-type pain, which is where options like Spinal Cord Stimulation may be considered instead.