Radiofrequency Lesioning

[Noahs ARK]

AKA "nerve burning"

Has anyone had this procedure? My hubby has been getting spinal blocks, but has had minimal relief from his pain. The pain management doctor has suggested RF Lesioning.

They gave us some information to read and it all makes sense, but I would like to hear from somebody who had it performed.

TIA

[PatC]

AKA "nerve burning"

Has anyone had this procedure? My hubby has been getting spinal blocks, but has had minimal relief from his pain. The pain management doctor has suggested RF Lesioning.

They gave us some information to read and it all makes sense, but I would like to hear from somebody who had it performed.

TIA

Noahs, I haven't had this but I've read a little on it. It seems like (to me) it's acupuncture that's been "kicked up a notch". Has your DH tried acupuncture yet? I did, several years ago for back pain and found it very helpful.

[Noahs ARK]

Noahs, I haven't had this but I've read a little on it. It seems like (to me) it's acupuncture that's been "kicked up a notch". Has your DH tried acupuncture yet? I did, several years ago for back pain and found it very helpful.

No - he hasn't tried acupuncture yet. He's been seeing a pain management doc for the past year. They just recently started giving him spinal blocks every 2 weeks and said the next step would be "nerve burning", which will hopefully give him some relief for a few months.

[Grins]

Noah there are many options in that area. I would consider them before this is decided upon. Most are minimally invasive. Get a second opinion.

See Mayo Clinic site on this.
Treatment options at
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain-treatment/BA99999/PAGE=BA00007

For RFL see
"...Radio frequency lesioning isn't a permanent procedure, however. Your nerves will try to grow back, and pain may return in as soon as six months. Short-term side effects may include a burning sensation, pain, numbness and a slight loss of muscle strength. So far, there's conflicting evidence of the effectiveness of the procedure in relieving low back pain originating from the facet joints. And there's limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of relieving pain originating from the disks. Because the evidence is inconclusive, more study is necessary."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain-treatment/BA99999/PAGE=BA00012

[Grins]

Meds for back pain and anxiety.

Surprise for me was how a very old & reliable antidepressant helped my pain and anxiety: Desipramine.

Mayo Clinic now verifies!
see
"...Antidepressants. Some antidepressant medications, taken in lower doses than would be used to treat depression, may help in the treatment of low back pain. Antidepressants may work in a variety of ways. For example, they may result in a higher level in your brain of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with pain control. Antidepressants also may reduce anxiety and muscle tension.

The evidence on the effectiveness of antidepressant medications in the treatment of low back pain is mixed. Among this group of medications, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) appear to be the most effective. They include such medications as nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), amitriptyline, and

desipramine <<<< "
__________
No side effects for me with Desipramine.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain-treatment/BA99999/PAGE=BA00008

[Noahs ARK]

Noah there are many options in that area. I would consider them before this is decided upon. Most are minimally invasive. Get a second opinion.

See Mayo Clinic site on this.
Treatment options at
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain-treatment/BA99999/PAGE=BA00007

For RFL see
"...Radio frequency lesioning isn't a permanent procedure, however. Your nerves will try to grow back, and pain may return in as soon as six months. Short-term side effects may include a burning sensation, pain, numbness and a slight loss of muscle strength. So far, there's conflicting evidence of the effectiveness of the procedure in relieving low back pain originating from the facet joints. And there's limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of relieving pain originating from the disks. Because the evidence is inconclusive, more study is necessary."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain-treatment/BA99999/PAGE=BA00012


His pain management doctor has told him that it isn't permanent and they'll probably have to repeat the procedure within 3-6 months.

He already has burning, pain, numbness and loss of muscle strength. He'll probably not regain any more muscle strength. He can lift a total of 2 lbs on a good day.

I really haven't talked about this - there's only a few people on here who know what happened, but I guess now is a good time to explain what happened to him.

He went in for neck surgery last year. The end result was paralysis from the neck down. His spinal nerve pain is unbearable at times. The doctors are trying to make him as comfortable as possible.

[SaberGal]

His pain management doctor has told him that it isn't permanent and they'll probably have to repeat the procedure within 3-6 months.

He already has burning, pain, numbness and loss of muscle strength. He'll probably not regain any more muscle strength. He can lift a total of 2 lbs on a good day.

I really haven't talked about this - there's only a few people on here who know what happened, but I guess now is a good time to explain what happened to him.

He went in for neck surgery in last year. The end result was paralysis from the neck down. His spinal nerve pain is unbearable at times. The doctors are trying to make him as comfortable as possible.

Oh gosh, Noah....that's so horrible! I hope that y'all are able to find the treatment that is right for him that will alleviate his pain. Prayers for both of you...

[Noahs ARK]

Oh gosh, Noah....that's so horrible! I hope that y'all are able to find the treatment that is right for him that will alleviate his pain. Prayers for both of you...

Thanks, SaberGal. We're hoping that the RFL will help.