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Does Nerve Burning Work?

I was wondering if anyone has had their nerve burnt to relieve pain caused by damaged nerve.  My husband has the following symptoms (sharp pains in arm, numb thumb and two fingers next to thumb) combined with severe hand pain.

He was injured during a massage where the guy put his elbow in his neck and leaned all his body weight on it.  He has had his C5 C6 and C6 C7 discs removed a fused.  He has had 8 spinal blocks.  Nothing has helped.  Our new doctor is talking about burning the nerve.  

Does burning the nerve/nerves work and for how long.  Can it cause any damage.  
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Avatar universal
I had pain for months and it want go away. So i talk to my pain manager to burn the sciatic nerve down. I had the procedure in June 2014 and i can tell you in the first 6 weeks i had more pain then before and i was scare that i make the wrong.decision. My Doc told me it can take up to 8 weeks before the pain goes away. And then finally after 6 weeks i get the relief that i was waiting for and now i am almost pain free. I know that the nerve gonna grow back again. For some people it takes maybe months and others a year or more, everybody are different. I really can recommend it to everybody that have a pinched sciatic nerve...Go and talk to you pain manager
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
Wow great for you!  that burn is so bad.my pain doc has suggested this to me. I need to research. Did you have to do two test to see if you could do the burning? Mine said something about that. I'd love to know how you're doing now. And can that do it again of pain comes back?
20892304 tn?1577383477
Desperatewife, yes it works, my pain level used to be 8 to 9, since doing the RFA and the PFRA my pain level is down to 2 or 3. Also losing weight helped me.
Helpful - 0
20892304 tn?1577383477
I started the trail shots almost two years ago. I did my first RFA 1 month after the trail. It lasted 4 months. Then I did my second RFA and it lasted 7 months. I just did my third this Dec. and so far it's been great!!! My pain level was up to 8 and 9 before I started this journey and now my pain level is down to a 2 and 3. I broke my back in 2 places in 1996, and this PM doctor is the first one to offer me this amazing treatment. Not sure where you all are , but I'm in NB Canada, and I would tell anyone with nerve damage or lower back pain to start the trail asap.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had this done less than a year ago. Was told this was only was to relieve the pain. I'm going to do it one more time. I feel less pain after having this done. Within the 6 weeks before of followup. I was starting to hurt bad. Everyone is differnt. I know people has had it done and have no more problems. If this time doesn't work I will be looking for different doctor
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Desperatewife, I have had this done twice. But mine lumber spine. I was so tired of pain I didn't want to move. Both legs had nerve pain. Having this done has put me back on my feet. Just had them burnt a couple weeks ago again. Started having leg and back pain 7 months after the first time done. I was worried i had to wait until pain to back control. I didn't. I pray your husband has as much success as I have.
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1 Comments
My pain clinic suggested a medial burn prcedure. Said I have to do two test of something to see if I can even do this. Had any one heard of or had this done? I have bulging  disc and and facet hyperthropy and the burn down my leg is insane with pain. They are wanting to cut back on meds. And was all ready to book this process? Any help much needed thanks
Avatar universal
Yes i just got it done about three weeks ago and i have noticed A Big difference!!! Iam not in so much pain anymore and i can work agine and sleep better and get in my car better.i wish I had done it sooner!!!
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
Thank you for comment on this old thread. Most- if not all of the posters are no longer active. I encourage you to begin a new thread. It'll be more visible - and offer more information to our members.

Radiofrequency Ablation (or RFA) can be very effective - much depends on the area being treated, he advancement of your disease condition, the skill of the practitioner and as one would think - how your nerves respond to the treatment.

As I read through this thread I see where some ppl state that the results or effectiveness of an RFA lasts one to two years. Please know that it's rare -
not the norm for an RFA to provide two years of pain relief.

Pain relief from RFA can last from six to 12 months and in some rare cases, relief can last for a few years. More than 70% of patients treated with RFA do experience pain relief. In conditions where pain is causing disruption of your daily activities - and nights are sleepless we'll try about anything for pain relief. RFAs are usually a safe choice.

SIJDs do not respond as well as other locations such as spinal nerves. As with any procedure, treatment or medication it's best to educate yourself. Learn as much as possible about the use of RFA in your particular DX - and as much about the practitioner preforming it.

Good Luck to all. Please let's begin a new thread on this subject.

~Tuck
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Tuck, My PM Doctor also said that losing weight along with the RFA is a real help. It takes the pressure off the lower back.  Also doing PFRA works better then just the RFA.
547368 tn?1440541785
Sorry, Sandra is no longer active in our Forum. Sometimes you can get a reply if you leave a note or a message on the poster's (Sandra's) Profile Page.

If that is not successful I encourage you to begin your own thread, "Post a Question."  Select a catchy title that is appropriate to your questions. I'd post it in this forum and include or Arthritis Forum too. Here's the link:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Arthritis

I have not heard of an RFA being used in your type of situation. I do know that it is being used more and more to treat pain in areas where it was never used before. It is a fairly safe procedure. I hear from many ppl that have experienced significant pain reduction, usually in the spine.  

Have a long discussion with the physician that is recommending this procedure. Ask lots of questions, know the pros and cons! Educate yourself so you may make an informed decision.

Please begin a new thread - and keep in touch. I'll be very interested in hearing the outcome of your procedure.  

Take Care - and Best of Luck,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Sandra,
Did anyone get back to you on this?  I have the same issue.  A failed loose TKR.  Pain doc wants to do this for me and Im nervous.  Please let me know if you hadit done and how it went.
Thanks
Colleen
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I had this procedure done in 2013. I dont regret having the procedure at all. I have 3 herniated disc in my upper neck.I had the steroid injections done the first time. I was pain free for almost 2 weeks.The steroid injections did not last. I decided to go with nerve burning procedure.
547368 tn?1440541785
Akilajaya has not been active for several years. This is a very old thread. A new one should be started instead of hijacking another person's thread.

Thanks,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Becarfullllll I did my low back L5 S1 S2 and had ED erectial problems for 4 months and that is the worst rather have had a bulet to the head. KNOW WHAT the side effects are. PLEASE do your homework ED *****
Helpful - 0
7721494 tn?1431627964
Not clear if your edema is from injections or RFA, or what kind of injection you're talking about. Injections within the intrathecal space come with one set of problems while injections outside of the cord space come with others.

Either way, your doctor is the one to help and needs this feedback. Always report all side effects of any procedure.

If you talk with your doctor before any new injections, perhaps he/she can help avoid these side effects in the future.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've had the procedure done and  I agree that it does work but it does take time;  however I've had several injections by my Pain Management Dr;  I Know want to know if my feet swelling to the point that they look like
Rasputia, from the movie Norbit with Eddie Murphy, and it's no exaggeration
It's happened after the RFA Procedure every time!  I've never associated it with that and I've never mentioned to my Dr, however I'm going to call tomorrow because it will be 1, on Friday April 17th, 2015.  HELP
Helpful - 0
7721494 tn?1431627964
When you do, open a new  thread - you have to first join the forum, and then you can post new threads.

I will be curious to see if your stem cell treatment works for multiple discs.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your comment.  I will have a conversation with my doctor regarding this issue.  I have never had any inklings from any doctors about MS.  I've had MRI's of the spine and brain with no signs of MS.  I do have multiple disc herniations with complete effacement of the thecal sac on the corresponding discs (C3-4 and 4-5).  

I am a licensed massage therapist so maybe all my elbow work has caused some compression issues.  I will work on that in my career.   Like I said in my previous comment, I am planning on having stem cell injections into the effected regions to help heal the herniations.  I am looking forward to my consultation and hopefully a following procedure.  I will post any additional information I receive and how the stem cell injections go if I am a candidate.  

To all those suffering, please keep your spirits up.  It took me 4 years to finally get some real help and relief from my pain.  Just a reminder these procedures are not a "cure" for these types of issues.  They can/will help with the pain but are a bigger "band-aid" than cortisone injections/pain meds for your underlying issues.  Do your research on any doctor doing any procedures as well as newer/alternative treatments for your conditions.  

Thanks again to all, and I will post more info as it comes.
:)
Helpful - 0
7721494 tn?1431627964
When the nerve grows back, the pain returns.

The 'funny bone' feelings you are experiencing are called parasthesias, and come when the nerve is under compression, or the nerve's myelin coating is destroyed in a disease like multiple sclerosis. Perhaps you have nerve root damage from disc disease? Ask your doctor.

In general, nerve ablations last a year or two, and seem to become more effective with repeated procedures.

Some dangers of RFA -- some people develop a kind of sunburn-like rash around the ablation site. This is easily treated with steroid creams.

More serious complications occur when the practitioner misplaces the probe and cuts an artery, or a motor nerve. This can cause internal bleeding that requires immediate attention (the artery), or partial paralysis (motor nerve).

These complications are very rare with an experienced practitioner, so find yourself an interventional pain physician who's been practicing a few years and has completed over 1000 of these procedures for best results.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had a RFA surgery roughly 6 weeks ago.  The procedure has helped as far as my headaches and neck pain.  I am in question of what the symptoms of the nerve growing back are?  I am having a tingling sensation on my hands and inner forearms as well as constant pain that feels like I hit my funny bone in my elbow.  I am assuming that these are symptoms of the nerve growing back but am unsure.  I am pleased with the procedure overall.  Now to move onto stem cell (my own stem cells) injections to help heal the multiple herinations I have in my neck and lower back and hopefully get rid of the pain all together.  I would appreciate any feedback that anyone has.  As far as advice from me, the RFA procedure as stated by my Dr is a roughly 50/50 chance.  It happened to work well for me.  I have noted a decrease in the intensity and frequency of my headaches that I have had non-stop with spikes of brain racking pain for about 4 years now.  The constant headache is gone.  I do get spikes but they are no where near how intense as they were originally.  Again any help on my current issues would be much appreciated.

Thanks :)
Helpful - 0
12770311 tn?1427162859
I've had a nerve burn in my neck to control severe pain and tortoculis on my left side of my shoulder and neck. It was done in 2008 and was very effective for a about 2 years. It wasn't painful or very invasive. However its crap shoot if they get the right nerve. To many Dr.s have godlike complexs and don't always go the extra mile for you when you or your loved ones are in pain.     best wishes and Godspeed to you!!!
Helpful - 0
7721494 tn?1431627964
It depends. There are different treatments for different ailments. If you son is having pain originating from an osteoarthritis spine (spondylosis), then he should get great relief from nerve ablation.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My son is in the Army and has problems with 5 discs and the doctor is recommending this for some relief.  I wanted to see after this time if you would recommend this and see how you were doing?  Thanks so much. ukarmymom
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Has anyone had this done as a result from total knee replacements?  I've had five total knees and am in pain 24/7.  My pain dr. Suggested this.  Anyone out there with knee replacement issues.  Thank you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
I'm considering getting the nerve burn procedure done and I'm particularly interested in your comment because you referenced back of head pain. My neck pain is from degenerated disks and I can withstand that pain, but it's the back of the head pain that I think comes from the neck condition that is just unbearable. Just excrutiating headaches in the middle of the night. Did it help you with that? What do you think overall?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hi Skinny 55,  did you have it done in the cervical area?
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Avatar universal
Can you walk me through the whole procedure? Everything from the pain and what they did?
Thanks

P.S. I am still deciding if I want to go through this....scared!!
Helpful - 0
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