In the latest attempt to stop chronic lumbar pain, my pain management doc is going to do a nerve ablation procedure to kill some of the nerve endings. He thinks a lot of my pain is coming from facet joints between the areas where I’m fused. I know everyone’s results are different but I’m curious if anybody has had this done and what your experience was like.

Bonnie has had two,
Do your research,

It's quick ,it's easy and
They always tell you about how many times it's worked great.

How old is your patient ?

I had it. I had some buildup of the bone on the inside of my vertebrae, causing the nerve to rub against the bone. It caused lightning bolts to shoot down the backs of my thighs when I stood or walked.

I had 3 rounds of steroids, but that only helped for a few weeks. The last steroid shot caused my blood sugar to skyrocket.

The ablation finally provided relief. That was 3 years ago, and I still don't have that lightning bolt pain.

Thanks for the responses guys, I’m 53yo Bendable…if that’s what you were asking. I’m scheduled for the procedure this coming Tuesday. Frankly I don’t know how it could make anything worse at this point.

Nerve Ablation is the only way to keep my lower back happy. As already stated it is quick and easy.

Lock N Load

Michael
USMC Ret

I had an ablation done on my neck. They usually do 2 diagnostic shots first to see if they’re in the right location. Then the nerve ablation on the third visit. I have decided not to do them anymore as I did not get the relief that I expected on my neck. I had one diagnostic shot for my lumbar as well.

I had nerve ablation and it did nothing. Ultimately, I had C4-C7 fused. Now I wish I hadn't had surgery.

The best help has been taking Buprenorphine. Talk to a specialist about it. I got my life back.

My pain management doctor also recommended that I read "Unlearn Your Pain" by Dr. Howard Schubiner. Both have helped me greatly.

I have it done annually. If you go longer than that the insurance company may have you go thru lengthy diagnosic testing period.

I find it's somewhat helpful. The procedure itself is relatively painless. Takes maybe 20 minutes; couple pricks here and there and it's over.

Although, I'm considering a permanent surgical option.

I had one on my lower back. I couldn’t reach up much over my head. Worked like a charm. My Doc told me 2 years to avoid the BS that Medicare imposes.

Thanks again guys. I’ve been dealing with chronic lumbar pain for years. Two major fusions just increased my pain. I really get sick of drugs, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for this.

I’ve had it done. It’s worth a try, but the nerves might grow back again. How long do you get relief? My recollection of the estimate was around 6 months.
But it’s safe, and reasonably effective in the right patient.