Experience with Radio Frequency Ablation procedures?

Geez. I’m considering v having Occipital Nerve RF Ablation Rt now but they insist on doing the Lidocaine injection test first to determine if RFA will relieve the nerve pain. And “so they know the exact place’”. The problem is - every time I have a lidocaine injection it scalds the nerve and area tissues which greatly increases the pain. Should I do this injection? I would appreciate your advice.

@irr4et Hello there. I hear you loud and clear on this because I've been in the same position. I received RFA's for 2 years on both right and left occipitals, in addition to cervical. At first I thought I found relief, enough to keep going back, but ultimately all I felt was increased pain. It was later narrowed down that I have Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) which is a chronic pain disorder caused by an upregulation of the central nervous system resulting in hypersensitivity to stimuli. Here is more info on CSS:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJNhdnSK3WQ

Nerve blocks should be done first to assist in determining if quieting the nerves helps bring comfort. If you have pain from lidocaine injections I would say do not go forward with the procedure. You yourself said, "it scalds the nerve and area tissues which greatly increased pain". I was a glutton for punishment and learned the hard way by persisting and putting my body through so much unnecessary pain in hopes of finding pain relief. It was counterproductive. For some, it may work, but its most important to listen to your body.

Many people suffer from CSS, but have never heard of it or been educated about it. Doctors do not often have knowledge of CSS. Will you get back to me after watching the video on whether it resonates with you?

I was diagnosed with CSS two Yrs ago after having already suffered with Fibro for 19 Yrs. Pain creates more pain. I watched that great vid owl then but it is so helpful to watch it again. I refused to have the lidocaine block. But I do plan to receive two weeks of daily IV Ketamine beginning 3/28 bc my CSS is so severe that it’s literally killing me. I’ve tried all the traditional pain meds and patches etc and they all just make me CSS angrier. Except CBD wh makes me sleepy, somewhat lower BP and constipated. Do you think I should proceed with the Ketamine IV’s?

I have SI Joint Pain and have tried multiple steroid Injections with no relief. I did have relief with the test injections prior to the Ablation. Unfortunately, the test injections wear off in a very short time hours. The Ablation burns the nerves and the pain during the burnings are intense. I was able to tolerate it still it was tough. Afterward It was like the other injections 15 minutes recovery, and I was able to walk as before, I did not notice any immediate change in my pain level. I did as I was instructed ice and rest. As with the other injections next few days pain increased. Three days later I was back at the Dr's for follow up. No Change. After about a week the pain began to go down. Still was in the same pain as before the Ablation. Was told by the Nurse it could take a while for the nerve to quit. A month Later back at the Dr's office. Still in pain. Can I tell you how sad I was? Dr said sometimes it takes a few months for the nerve to quit, A month later having a better day than some. I was thinking maybe it was starting to work. Of course, I'm doing little to nothing every day. Virtually on bed rest except for 1 or 2 hours. Went outside and using the electric blower cleared some leave from the yard, deck, and patio. Feeling pretty good about having accomplished something. The night was rough as usual next morning same pain as always. So, now what. Do it again the Ablation that is I don't know I have another Dr's appt soon. The emotional toll is as tough as the physical pain. Research says right now I am in the 30% that don't have success with Ablation. Give me a break, really.

Hello! Has anyone had radiofrequency ablation for SI joint back problems/pain? I've had 3 SI joint and facet injections in the past few months, and they just don't last to alleviate the pain. So, I'm scheduled for the ablation. I would appreciate hearing about any experiences you have had with the RF ablation: what was the recovery time; how soon did you feel relief; how long the procedure lasted; and, anything else you would care to share. I'm a 73 yo woman, lean and healthy. Unfortunately, the progression of my osteoarthritis and stenosis have resulted in functional impairment. I don't ever expect to do much gardening again; however, I would like to get back to walking and other exercises.

I look forward to hearing of your experiences! Thank you, Sue

Hello! Has anyone had radiofrequency ablation for SI joint back problems/pain? I've had 3 SI joint and facet injections in the past few months, and they just don't last to alleviate the pain. So, I'm scheduled for the ablation. I would appreciate hearing about any experiences you have had with the RF ablation: what was the recovery time; how soon did you feel relief; how long the procedure lasted; and, anything else you would care to share. I'm a 73 yo woman, lean and healthy. Unfortunately, the progression of my osteoarthritis and stenosis have resulted in functional impairment. I don't ever expect to do much gardening again; however, I would like to get back to walking and other exercises.

I look forward to hearing of your experiences! Thank you, Sue

yes, I have had it done twice, sorry to say it did not work for me, Mine is a compression fracture, I was so hopeful, as the trail procedures went well, however, the real procedures did not. The doctor feels it is the compression fracture that is stopping it from working. It does work for some people, Hopefully it will work for you. Good Luck!

I was diagnosed with CSS two Yrs ago after having already suffered with Fibro for 19 Yrs. Pain creates more pain. I watched that great vid owl then but it is so helpful to watch it again. I refused to have the lidocaine block. But I do plan to receive two weeks of daily IV Ketamine beginning 3/28 bc my CSS is so severe that it’s literally killing me. I’ve tried all the traditional pain meds and patches etc and they all just make me CSS angrier. Except CBD wh makes me sleepy, somewhat lower BP and constipated. Do you think I should proceed with the Ketamine IV’s?

Radio Frequency Ablation: Anyone care to share their experience. I had my SI joint block test indicating I would be a good candidate. Thank you