@barbarn I use to get the prescription but I dont think they have it anymore I buy the rollon its 4% but helps me directions say use only 3times you in 24 hrs and roll it on lightly

@barbarn
Happy Sunday,
Radio Frequency is not a first step intervention.
Usually, you need to have other procedures first.
Here is a site you can go to for further information.
I NEVER get sedated in any way when I get steroid shots, but for this one, my pain doc did give me a very mild sedative.
I was glad he did.
The test is somewhat painful, but as soon as the test is over, so is the pain.
Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/radiofrequency-ablation#1

@barbarn

I'm 70 years old in December, and had a bad MRI 2 years ago. I went to a surgeon who I told I wanted to take a very conservative approach to the problems. He recommended a "laminectomy" on my L5/S1. It was an outpatient surgery, with a 2 inch scar. It worked wonderfully. My surgeon said my right side repair for my chronic pain from my L4 would require rods and pins and he recommended that I try EVERYTHING else first. I tried multiple things and found one that has relieved my pain for the most part.

If I was your age, I wouldn't go through back fusion and I wouldn't worry about addiction either. Also since you live in Colorado, you can use marijuana derivities as long as that won't cause the loss of your other pain medications. Some doctors test for Marijuana and they can't prescribe pain meds if you are positive. Check with your doctor first, and also make sure marijuana won't interfere with any medication you are taking.

Please keep in mind that I am not a medical professional and I'm giving you my recommendations based on my own experience. I think all of us may have stenosis as we get older. My 2 older brothers had spine fusions that caused them additional surgeries and more pain than before the surgery. At least one surgeon told my younger brother that the fusion surgery wouldn't help his pain, but was to keep him out of a wheelchair at 72. Their and my surgeries were for disk problems, not for stenosis. Again, I don't recommend surgery.

I'm sorry that you are suffering such pain at your age. I wish aging was a more comfortable process, but it just is what it is. I guess if we're strong enough to reach ripe old ages, we're strong enough to deal with the issues that are presented. It sure beats the alternative in my book.