Radiofrequency Ablation - Pros & Cons

Radiofrequency ablation or RFA procedures can often provide temporary relief from back pain. The downside is that the relief typically lasts for three to six months and then comes back. An RFA should not be considered a permanent solution, especially for those in need of some form of spine surgery. Learn about the differences between RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) and DVR spine procedures offered at Phoenix Spine & Joint.

[PinkPanther]

Do you any idea what 3 months of no pain means to a person in chronic pain?? It's hell to have pain every single day of your life and it just goes on and on. I would be thankful to have one week of no pain.

[johnjohnson]

Just one day without pain would be a blessing for me. Being in pain all day EVERYDAY is exhausting and crippling.

[joannehoward]

I had this 2 months ago, just brilliant, no procedures left, except what your talking about, I’m aware my nerves will grow back, so quite keen to follow on with your procedure

[richardstein]

Sorry if I haven't been keeping you up to date. The RF/A took almost a month to see a result. It has been 2 months now and definitely getting relief. I was skeptical, as I wasn't feeling a relief from the pain within days (a figure I had read), but it seems at about week 6 I am finally out of extreme pain...maybe a 2-3 on the pain scale (down from say 7-8)

[philipdstudio]

I herniated my L5-S1 disc in my late 20s and lived with chronic pain for decades, eventually developing osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. I had a successful anterior fusion almost six years ago, but that didn’t completely relieve the debilitating pain. My first RFA was actually done a month or so before the fusion, but as pointed out, RFA is rarely a permanent solution for facet joint pain relief, unfortunately—but those 6-9 months can be a real blessing. I have had RFA like clockwork every year and the most miserable time are the several months of pain after the effects wear off while battling with the health insurance company to have the procedure again.

If this newer, permanent solution becomes more widely available, I would definitely be open to it. Living with debilitating pain isn’t living, it’s barely surviving.

[deborahdesanto]

Thank you Dr I'm having this procedure done very soon, for the first time I think after that I will go and see a surgeon and get there advice. 😊

[KevinLopez-vfwk]

Why are there no other videos regarding this alternative to RFA? I just finished a repeat on my low back today. So far so good!

[woodman]

I had this procedure performed twice. The reduced pain time lasted around a month, each time. My pain doctor told me that surgery is my only option, but there is no guarantee it will help the pain.

[jamesjarman]

What kind of crappy RFA technique gives you 3-6 months? Use a 16-18G RF needle, LA first, parallel to nerve (SIS style) and you should get a year. From a practicing pain physician

[billg]

Thank you! The honesty is appreciated!

[bobbib]

My exact thoughts. I started epidurals & abalations 1 1/2 years ago. I have to get them every three months. I suffer migraines from DDD. They definitely help, but clearly I need some more permanent.

[richardstein]

i had spinal fusion (L3-L-4) in May of 2021. In the last 6 months pain returned enough to warrant another visit to spine surgeon. He felt RFA may help ( for possibly 6-12 months.) It has been 24 hours since RFA...minor improvement in pain levels...I will keep posting as time goes on

[RuthOmegon]

I've had 5 of these procedures, and this last one was on a different set of nerves. But my Doctor has basically said all this doctor has said, to me.
I really appreciate his candor and his efforts to find a different approach for me.
2 to 3 months without pain is indescribable when you live in chronic pain and that area causes pains in your head also, feirce tension headaches where it feels like someone is trying to pull you scalp back, coupled with electric shocks and crushing headaches.
It can be debilitating and it has been for me for over 6yrs. My doctor is calling me a regular at this point 😂
The best advice I can give is find a good pain specialist, they are like little detectives 🕵️‍♀️

[rexwilliams]

i'm going to do the RFA for the first time march 1st 2022
. i have a Brother that has it done once a year and dose great with it . he's been having it done for several years now .

[mhxpnb]

Hi best practice health, I been dealing with lower back issues for the last ten years L5-S1.I finally just had a RFA done on my left/right side. But seemed not to work, I’m still in pain. The frustration and mental issues that follow with back issues don’t help. Would this operation be helpful

[leannemaree]

I just had my 3rd RFA. And will do it every time. For me the last one lasted about 20 months.

[mohansai]

I am suffering from unilateral testicular pain ( mainly the muscle around the testicle may be cremasteric muscle) . My pain specialist advised for Pulsed RF or Genital branch block of GF nerve .
Can I try for nerve block. Any side effects?

[sdmakeupandentertainment]

I keep getting RFA. man would I love something permanent. I would love to be able to stand up straight for more than 6 to 9 mo at a time.

[bahaaalrawi]

I've been on the fence for a few months now. I was advised to take RFA for my facet joint arthrosis that's been painful for straight 8 years. Should I do it dr.? There's no DVR where I live.

[cprtrucking]

So should RFA be tried prior to the DVR? I am scheduled for RFA this coming Friday.