Does Nerve Burning Work?

[DesperateWife833]

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.  

[Tuckamore]

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 Most- if not all of the posters are no longer active.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

[Bobbiakapoe]

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.

[Tuckamore]

Sorry, Sandra is no longer active in our Forum.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

[Wananewknee]

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

[gigima65]

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.

[Tuckamore]

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

[michael331]

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 *****

[philnoir]

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.