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RFA made my lower back pain worse. Anyone else?

Posted by mads20 @mads20, Jan 22, 2024

I had an RFA (radio frequency ablation) done in my lower back at L3 and L4 on my right side. My local Dr told me that I have degenerative joints. The RAF made everything worse! When I told my local Dr that he gave up on me and said that there is nothing else that can be done. Anyone ever experienced this before?

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downdog | @downdog | 6 days ago
In reply to @violet112 "@erdocsmom I never heard the term test shots used before. They were basically cortisone shots and..." + (show)
Profile picture for violet112 @violet112

@erdocsmom I never heard the term test shots used before. They were basically cortisone shots and they did provide some relief just not enough.

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@violet112 My "test shots" are actually Medial Nerve Branch Blocks. I've got cervical stenosis and bone spurs. If the MNB work, then I'll go ahead and get the RFA. Fingers crossed, because neither of my interlaminar nor transforaminal ESI worked.

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marcd2k | @marcd2k | 6 days ago
In reply to @wdawes "@marcd2k If your current doctor “walked away” and is not helping, then time for a second..." + (show)
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@marcd2k
If your current doctor “walked away” and is not helping, then time for a second opinion. Perhaps find one who will do a trial spinal cord stimulator (SCS). The trial is about 7 days, and if it works you will know it. I’m my case the thigh pain went away completely it seemed, but it was hard to be sure about the lumbosacral pain, because the spine is trying to heal from having the implant leads in the epidural space? (This is my guess.) Patients who have had the permanent SCS done say that several weeks are needed to get over that post operative pain.

There are two types of SCS implant leads: percutaneous (this wire) and paddle (a flat, somewhat wider lead.) A pain management doctor can do the SCS percutaneous leads, but the paddle leads require a small hole into the epidural lamina for the leads to pass through (laminectomy), requiring a neurosurgeon. Paddle leads are basically permanent, but the percutaneous can be removed later.
All my doctors: physiatrist, pain management and neurosurgeon are quite frank about the radiculopathy pain. There are no easy fixes but the SCS can make life a % of pain free. I just want to easily sleep somewhat pain free at night, be able to get off the floor easily after stretching, be able to walk long distances, and so on like I used to. If having an SCS implant gets me there then I will put up with it?

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@wdawes I am well past second opinions, as I have been to every major hospital in my city, and I have seen more than 30 doctors. I do have an appointment next week with another pain management doctor, and I will have to see if he has any idea what could be wrong.

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