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have been told I need cervical radiofrequency ablation

Posted by tennisump @tennisump, Mar 26 2:56pm

After several months of treatments for severe neck pain, I have been told I need a cervical radiofrequency ablation. But because I have a pacemaker, they cannot/will not do it. My pain level is a constant 7-8, rising higher when using neck. No alternative has been given. Any Ideas? I am an 82 year old relatively active male.

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dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Mar 27 5:46am

@tennisump
Did you have a MRI of your cervical spine? Does it show degenerative disc disease, herniated or bulging discs? Does it show flattening or compression of your spinal cord or nerve roots and at what cervical spine levels?

Has your orthopedic spine specialist/surgeon or neurosurgeon recommended cortisone spine injections or surgery?

You may benefit from getting 2nd and 3rd opinions by highly rated surgeons on options for treatment. It would be good to bring someone with you to appointments to help advocate for you. It can be hard to ask all of your questions and review all symptoms while listening to responses. It can be all overwhelming. There are times that women or the elderly are dismissed or disrespected so a younger advocate may help confidently push for answers/options for you.

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belgagrande | @belgagrande | Mar 27 8:22am

I am 72 years old with constant spine problems. I had Radio Frequency Ablation and it didn’t help as much as an injection of a corticosteroid and an anesthesic injection.

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loriesco | @loriesco | Mar 27 8:45am

Try deep myofascial tissue release called MFR. There is a section here online that talks all about it. I go every two weeks. It’s like a deep painful massage, but it is amazing. I’ve already had cervical spine surgery. I’ve tried absolutely everything before. I did have the cervical spine surgery except the MFR so I kind of did it backwards. It’s fantastic for pain. relief.

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flyjim | @flyjim | Mar 27 11:03am

My lumbar spine has been destroyed. Went through every possible procedure in addition to 3 surgeries, had every injection, ablations.
Finally agreed to have a spinal stimulator implant. It erased at minimum 80% of my back pain.
Don’t know if that’s an option for you seeing it’s cervical and your pacemaker. It would not hurt to ask.

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