Pain after RFA on spine done

[Rita732]

It's been two weeks since I've had RFA done on my lower back.  I'm still in pain but only in the area of where the RFA was done.  I'm seeing my doctor today.  Is having pain two weeks after procedure normal?

[Starsleadtheway]

I just had this procedure done around my SI Joint. I've never been in so much pain. It was almost 2 weeks ago that this was done. I have pain in my hip, left leg, shooting up my spine, and it hurts SO bad to the touch. The area where it was done is extremely warm to the touch as well. My Dr has done nothing to help. He had me come in last week and said I was doing fine. I'm not. I can't live like this.

[Guinea_Pig]

It’s not unusual to feel increased pain for up to a month while the nerves basically freak out and die. They do however grow back, so do not believe otherwise. I have had at least ten of them. Lidocaine works wonders when you have an RF done.

[Nutsinpain]

I had my RFA done in December 2015. The doctor hounded me to have it done. My legs ache so badly that I don't know what to do with myself. It's inhumane for doctors to perform this surgery... without anesthesia and then it does nothing but drive me nuts every day because of the pain. I now have foraminal stenosis that I did not have prior. All I want to know is if this pain in my legs will ever subside. I'm I  20 mg oxy a day. My pain without them is a steady 8 or more at times. Wish I could sue but a lawyer told me nobody wins these cases.  How can that be? Dam money grubbing doctor ruined my life now.

[Crystal2316]

I had both sides RFA on my L4-S1 done 4 weeks ago. The pain is worse now then ever before. At first they told me 1-2 weeks of increased pain. Now they are saying 4-6 weeks for the nerves to die off. I call major BS! This procedure has beyond ruined my life and I regret it every dam day. I am completely hopeless and constantly in pain. I'm taking more pain killers then ever before and that doesn't even help. I'm a mom of 4 and I can't take care of my kids and responsibilities. I do a load of laundry and I'm crying in pain wishing I could just die. I hate to say that as I know my family loves and needs me but I don't know if I can live like this. What good am I if I'm just a burden and need everyone to help me with everything. I was in horrible pain before but  could manage it and get through it. Not no more, worse part is I can't take strong pain killers because have to be able to stay awake to watch my kids. I wish I had more information before I did this. I wish I knew this could happen. I wish my doctor's would listen and take this seriously instead of making excuses. He ruined my life and should take responsibility for that and fix it somehow. If that's even possible.

[daisyland]

Did it get better? Sorry for what you have been through.

[combatdoc]

It may take 3-4 weeks before you get relief.

[Anapaulaw]

Hi guys ... sorry about my english (i'm brazilian) i'ts been almost 1 month since i've had RFA in both sides of lower back. The pain in my back is 50% better, but i've a new pain in my right leg...takes the grain and goes until the feet. I called my doc but he says that it's wierd. I cry every day,it's terrible. I can't live this way. Nect week i have and appointment with the doc... but i think he can't do much for me. I hope this pain go away. Anybody was in the same situation and niw us better than before?

[Barb916]

I had RFA c2 c3 c4 back in mid June. Very long journey. Still have pain at sites and swelling left side of neck down above cavical. More MRI'S. AND NOW ULTRASOUND.  Very depressed over the whole thing. I'm not myself anymore. Just getting through day of work is rough. The constant achey sharp stabbing pain takes everything out of me. Anyone have the same issues?   Going nuts

[Upset57]

Been over 5 weeks for me. Getting worse by the day not better!

[Maymay127]

I had my RFA done 10 days ago for lumbar spine. Was told recovery would be like recovering from a sunburn. Right. Worse pain every day. Not in lumbar but radiating nerve pain in left buttock and hip and down left leg. Can't touch areas. Can't lie down on that side. Feels like I've been kicked by a horse and then burning nerves all down that side. Deep deep pain. Ice. Meds. Gabapentin. Sleeping and dizzy and not functioning at all. Cancelled other side. Would not do this again. The back pain was painful but this is worse. Now being told by doctor that it can take 6 weeks for the pain to go away. Where was that information before the procedure? I can't be non-functioning that long. Have to pay the bills. Pain so bad can't sleep, stand, sit, walk... No relief. Next time I will risk the hormones issues and do the steroid injection instead.

[Iaoceo]

Did you ever get relief? Im having the exact same issues in my right side and cant handle this pain any longer! Its been 7 weeks. Im scheduled to have a steroid injection this afternoon. What have you done to relieve the pain?

[Abigail1974]

I'm in the exact same boat!
Had 3 rhizotomy by some one else and this never happened
Not the skin sensitivity
Just hell:(
Did it improve? Any wise words?
Xx

[JennyThings]

how did everything turn out? Just reading your comments now.

[DMAG21]

Hello,
Has the pain ever gone away?
I am in so much pain that I cannot move without this excruciating pain.
Lying down hurts, walkin hurts standing still hurts. The procedure was done to my Lumbar area, and it hurts most there, but the effects carry to my spine, neck, head, legs and feet!
I cannot take it any longer!!!
Will the pain ever go away?
I'm crying and dying!

[02stang]

I had my RFA done on my right side a month ago. The pain never went fully away and up untill a week ago it was like the pain I was having prior to the RFA, now Im in so much pain I cant move, sit, lay down or even cough without being in so much pain it drops me to my knees in tears! I was scheduled for the left side to be done in a week but I emailed the doctor to let her know whats going on and she canceled my next RFA and wants to see me back in the office. Im not sure if this is a good or bad thing. If I would have known how this would turn out I would never had it done.

[Lucalorenzo]

I had Rhizotomy on 4 levels 2 weeks ago plus 4 injections into both sides of my neck for headaches. I have huge pain on the left side of my back and legs when I wake up. This was never there before. Got given 10 tabs of Oxynorm 5mg . It does not help . Can't live with this pain.

[Malinda36]

I had RFA on right lumbar yesterday very swollen on both sides and can't move it feels like back labor. I have a bleeding disorder and probably going to er will tell you what they say

[Twirps]

Yes, I had two Fact lumbar injections the first went well the second was horrible!! I was in pain for 4 weeks then I did the RFA one the right side. I have been in horrible pain .  Pain that shoots down my right butt cheek into my groin down my leg. I had never had this pain prior. I had emailed the doctors telling them I was in pain and got no response. I made an appointment and saw a different doctor and she was nice enough to give me Vimovo ( naproxen ) . She couldn't believe I was only taking advil. I was never told the pain would get worse ever !! I do not think it is fair for them to not tell their patients everything that could happened after wards.

[Iaoceo]

Did you ever find relief? I'm having the same issues! I can't take much more of the pain. What did you do to get better?

[Twirps]

Yes, I had two Fact lumbar injections the first went well the second was horrible!! I was in pain for 4 weeks then I did the RFA one the right side. I have been in horrible pain .  Pain that shoots down my right butt cheek into my groin down my leg. I had never had this pain prior. I had emailed the doctors telling them I was in pain and got no response. I made an appointment and saw a different doctor and she was nice enough to give me Vimovo ( naproxen ) . She couldn't believe I was only taking advil. I was never told the pain would get worse ever !! I do not think it is fair for them to not tell their patients everything that could happened after wards.

[DaveBradford]

HI my names david, i have had chronic back pain for 2 1/2 years, after hundreds of appointments, MRIs and treatments, a physio on ( a private physio! finally diagnosed correctly = SI joint dysfunction). anyway had a successful injection which has wore off and had rfa 1 and a half ago, however rather than have a gradual drecease have a short increase after the op. i felt great for a day or 2 then a large increase in pain, im worried now that it wont work ( because i really need this to work im 20 try for the 3rd time to start uni in September)

[Nlw1974]

Just had mine done Monday. Been in extreme pain ever since. Can't seem to grt any relief. My leg seems to have forgotten what it is suppose to do and now I'm experiencing twitching in my inner thigh area. Pls help!!!

[Nlw1974]

Not sure why it's showing up this way. With all the symbols and numbers

[lober911]

Just had my second. Left lumbar spine in October but I went right back to work, with restrictions. However,  I was not able to do my job with the restrictions so I had to work through it!
Had the right side done last week and I had immediate relief. Once the lidocaine wore off it was a different story. I am a 5-6 all the time and I am just miserable.
Back to Dr on Tuesday I sure hope for some answers

[joysie69]

I had my RFA exactly 2 weeks ago have not got any relief and today i have felt worse muscle spasm and that sharp pain going right through me. Don't meet with my Dr til Feb 11 not sure if this is normal either.    J

[JaiKaGoWin]

Hello MiZero228,

My name is Jaimie, I'm 27 years old, from West Michigan. I read your post and although I realize it was well over a month ago, I was just wondering what your doctor had to say about the increased pain after the rhizotomy? It seems that we have very similar stories, except I've also had to undergo 2 spinal fusions (which should have never been done since I was only 19!) plus a 3rd spine surgery. Then finally they decided on the rhizotomy, I thought it was a good choice and was all for it.. didn't receive much info like many others on here. I'm almost 4 months post RFA and my pain is incredibly higher than it was before the procedure. In my back it feels like the muscles are in one big knot, causing pressure which could cause pain; but the pain in my legs.. I would get the occasional shooting pain in my R leg but never anything more. {keep in mind I'm on a muscle relaxor 3* a day} It feels almost like a massive charley horse/growing pain that will NOT go away or loosen at all, no matter what I do! It's getting to the point where I'm almost wondering if they messed up because I never had problems like this before, not in the last 10 years of having to deal with debilitating low back pain. I won't see my doctor again till she returns from maternity leave, so like you, I'm at a loss and ready to throw in the towel.. but I'm only 27 so that's not an option!
Any advice would be GREATLY APPRECIATED and I thank you in advance!

Blessings,
     Jaimie

[Tuckamore]

Hi Amy,

Welcome. Unfortunately this is an old post on MedHelp. Many - if not all of the ppl that have posted on this thread posted one time and did not return. Old threads are not read as often and often go unnoticed in this community. I suggest you being a new thread "Post a Question" for better visibility and more responses.

I am so sorry to read about your worsening pain! My heart goes out to you. This is not my normal stomping grounds. You can usually find me (and others) in the Pain Management Community. I do check in her from time to time. Phil has been off with some issues. Sadly I've not seen him for over a month. He's been such a wealth of information for this community.

I have not had an RFA done - I probably never will due in part to this thread and others I have read. When it works it's awesome - when it doesn't I her from ppl like you! I have chronic pain the my C 5-7 and my T 1-3, similar to yours.

I would contact the practitioner that preformed your RFA.   If it wasn't your PMP I would also contact him/her. I've read and researched a lot about RFA - and what I know is that it should not be causing you this much discomfort. When performed correctly it should reduce your pain - not increase it. Sometimes there is a short period of increased discomfort 24-48 hours. If I am calculating right it's been 8 days since your RFA - any procedure produced increase in pain should be long gone. Please call your physician.

I hope you'll let us know how you are doing - and begin that new thread as I suggested. I'll look forward to hearing more from you.

Best Regards,
~Tuck  

[AmyAff]

I had RFA done last monday on my T2, 3 4 and 5 I am in so much pain truly can't take much more. I don't understand why the pain is this bad. Issue with weakness in my left arm.  Anyone have any thoughts. I am s frustrated and i pain.
thanks
Amy

[MiZero228]

I just had the RFA done 4 weeks ago today.  I have been in much worse pain than before having it done.  I take pain meds (I had such big plans on being able to ween off of those).  I go back to the doctor in 2 days.  I can't wait to see what he says.  It obviously did not work at all.  I just can't understand why it is so much worse than before.  I'm not young (I'm 56) and I just can't take this pain much more.  My back pain started when I was 16!  I just don't know what to do now.  I work but I'm fortunate to have a mostly sit down job (even sitting hurts if I do it too long).  I've got great support at work.  They know I cannot lift at all or stand at all.
I am glad to know that I am not the only person with this experience.  I'm just so frustrated and just don't know what to do.
My coworker's husband had that Nerve Simulator installed into his back (as he has chronic back pain).  To me, it does not seem that it works very will but she says it does.  He has had it about one year now.  I think I am going to see if I am a candidate for that.  Not sure though.

Thanks for listening to my story.  

[Pam5411]

Thank you. I had it done yesterday

[philnoir]

I have severe spine disease including lumbar spinal stenosis that causes pain whenever I move, and even if I lay still for tool long.

Every once in a while, I too wonder if surgery will help.

My surgeon is a smart man and I trust him. He's one of the guys who operates on only 5% or so of his consults.

Some surgeons operate on over 50% of their consults.

Anyway, my surgeon says this:

"Surgery, however, a last resort to be chosen only if conservative measures fail to provide sufficient relief."

I'll add this -- if your spine or one or more of your nerve roots in is jeopardy, then have the decompression surgery if those conservative methods -- manipulation, steroid injections, oral steroids, etc. -- have not resolved the problem. You must protect your nervous system, or your circulatory system if that is in jeopardy.

Paralysis or permanent dysthesia and pain are the consequences of not having surgery in these situations.

However, if you are under medicated, seek more medication, not surgery.

Have you tried everything?

Find out.

[stressedshaz]

I'm about to have this procedure done and after reading these comments I'm really scared.  It's sort of damned if you do and damned if you don't.  My pain started during high school but is now constant for the past 10 years.  Some days it's so bad I just want to take a trip to a Swiss clinic and I'm only 46.

[philnoir]

Hello Ce2438 and welcome to the spine forum.

The controversy over paraspinal muscle atrophy* after medial branch neurotomy is on going. There is just not enough research to demonstrate causality of mutifidous atrophy from medial branch neurotomy (via RFA, or other means).

Paraspinal muscle atrophy refers to weakness in the deep muscle layer near the spine. Two important muscles that support the spinal column and allow us to bend at the waste are the mutifidus and ileopsoas complex.

The problem in establishing causality is twofold.

First and foremost, people with chronic spine disease and LBP also suffer from paraspinal muscle atrophy.

This study examined multifidus atrophy after traumatic injury, and surgery. Atrophy does occur quickly after both nerve lesioning and disc injury, so we have a "chicken and egg" problem her -- was the muscle atrophied before or after the injury that precipitated the procedure?

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/551813_4

The other reason establishing causality is difficult is due to both a lack of evidence, and a full understanding of mutifidus is innervation.

The initial controversial linking multifidus atrophy with medial branch nerve lesioning began with a study involving five patients who underwent unilateral RFA (medial branch neurotomy) resulting in facet deinnervation.

An average of 21 months after the procedure, independent radiologists were asked to evaluate the lumbar mutifidi via MRI in these five patients. The radiologists found evidence of mutifidus atrophy in all patients, but they could not accurately determine the side and segments lesioned by RFA, meaning the multifidous atrophy could not be associated directly with the RFA.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19695523

A 2000 study discovered that the multifidus is innervated by mutiple segments. Researchers, by EMG examination performed in the L2-5 multifidi both before and three weeks after the a medial branch neurotomy found evidence of partial deinnervation in the multifidi at levels L3-L5 after the neurotomy that only involved the L3 medial branch.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11155540

I include this evidence to explain why your doctor assigned such a low risk of complication to this procedure. For a great majority of people, greater than 99% of those who receive RFA do not report the severe complications you are experiencing. I don't doubt that something went wrong after your RFA treatment, but I cannot say what, based on medical research.

I have a similar thing going on that involves deep pain in areas that could be related to the psoas or the outer edge of the mutifidus -- I really don't know. This pain and muscle spasm appeared only after I began to get medial branch neurotomies in the lumbar spine. I have had, to date, 4 of these procedures, bilaterally.

For me, the RFA removes about 50% of my LBP and is therefore an essential source of pain reduction for me. The deep myofascial pain is an annoyance that flares to level 5 or 6, but is managed with muscle relaxants, opioids, and exercise.

So, I settle for the less of two evils to manage my pain and will get another RFA in the next year or so -- whenever my nerves regenerate. Without these procedures, life would not be worth living.

PT and muscle relaxants work well for me in treating the myofascial pain. Also, behavioral changes are required. For example, I have to limit my sitting time. It is for this reason that I am disabled -- I can't sit for more than an couple of hours without severe pain.

If you haven't discovered the muscle relaxant called dantrolene, I suggest that you ask your doctor for a trial. The pills are unlike any other muscle relaxant, as they work on relaxing the muscle fibers, and not the motor nerves that cause contraction.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.