My neck and back have been destroyed by arthritis. I also have cervical and spinal stenosis and desiccation basically up the entire spine. They would like to ablate six nerves in my neck. They say that if it works I will get 6 months to 2 years of relief. I talked to my chiropractor and he said that it can hurt for up to 6 months so where is the gain? They want to do two trial runs with lidocaine and if I get 80% relief they will go forward with the ablation. They want to do every problem I have separately so the nerve that is severely pinched my lower left neck has to be a separate surgery. If all that works we will move on to my lower back which is the second worst part. I just feel like my entire body is decomposing because all of my joints are made of gravel and hurt and never stopped hurting since I first got diagnosed 8 years ago. I’ve learned to live with most of it, but I’m getting a little afraid for my future if I’m going to keep decomposing like this.
Yup, welcome to the club
The main advantage of controlling the pain is that it allows you to move more normally, and that it allows you to work on strengthening the surrounding area in physical therapy. It doesn’t solve anything in the most straightforward sense, but it’s still helpful. Plus keys not forget about sleep. If you’re in a lot of pain you’re likely not sleeping well which amplifies the pain.
I haven’t had ablations but I’ve had a lot of surgery. The recovery stage of surgery is almost always easier to manage pain and discomfort than the day to day grind of pain in my opinion
I did PT 3 days a week for 6 months. No pain reduction. The only thing that improved was my ability to do the exercises. We even did dry needling for 2 months. I am currently seeing a chiropractor and the adjustments are actually relieving the pain a little bit. My range of motion in my neck is also increasing.
I just had an ablation of L3/L4 facet joints and I have had great results almost immediately. I have adjacent segment disease from a spinal fusion. I am trying to avoid more fusions for obvious reasons. My physiatrist is great and the procedure wasn’t too bad, done under conscious sedation.
The only sedation I will receive is a 5 mg Valium. I’m a little nervous too about that.
Hello, i just found out my spine is a mess. I was shocked to say the least. Degenerative disc disease throughout entire spine. Herniated and bulging discs in cervical an lumbar spine. No surgery yet, i just had an epidural in my c7-t1 and in my Left SI joint. The pain from sacroilitis was the worst pain i have ever felt. This is so overwhelming. I have been out of work for 2 months already. So far the steroid epidurals are helping, but for how long? Im in physical therapy 3 days a week. I really don’t have any suggestions, as im going through the same thing, but my friends husband just had a nerve ablation in his neck after 2 cervical spinal surgeries. He said it has helped. Please let me know how you do?
After speaking to my neck and spine specialist and my chiropractor, I have canceled the procedure. They both said that doing six nerves is extreme. I will get more relief from a nerve blocker from the pinched nerve in my neck then I would from the ablation. And it will come faster since I don’t have to do two test runs. Also, they did not want to sedate me so I decided forget it.
My neck and back are just like yours. I did physical therapy 3 days a week for 6 months. The only thing that improved was my ability to do the exercises. Did not help with the pain.
Wish you luck because we are both in deep s***. This disease is literally destroying my life as well as my body. There’s no one to complain to except you guys and you are the only ones who understand.
God bless and I hope you find something that works for you.
I agree. This disease is absolutely crippling me. Its ruining my quality of life. Im not sure if or when I can go back to work. My job is physically demanding. I am afraid to back to work and cause further damage to my spine. I have been a
Respiratory Therapist for 25 years. My family tries to understand, but they really don’t get it. I am so grateful for the folfs on this forum. Physical therapy isn’t helping. Actually felt worse after therapy today. Everything hurts. Unfortunately, I think this is my new life. I am looking into stem cell therapy for the degenerative disc disease, if anyone had any experience with this? Im desperate to get out of pain and back to my normal life again. So far, my chiropractor is my favorite Dr. I have been seeing him for the last 16 years. He gives me temporary relief. I will keep you in my prayers!! If you guys find anything else that helps, please let me know.
I forgot to mention my SI belt helps alot for the bilateral sacroilitis. Also, i have a full back brace that helps with posture ,thoracic, and rib pain that i have. After all the tests and procedures i have had done over the last 2 months led my Rheumatologist to believe it’s axial Spa. I had to stop my TNF inhibitor and he will put me on a JAK inhibitor . I hope it helps. I wish everyone the best. We need to stay stong and not let this disease win! We need to keep fighting this insidious disease!