Medial Branch Facet Ablation

[@brendacrum2388]

Had 1st ablation on left side of neck oct 15, 2024. Dr gave me 2 pills before procedure 1 for pain 1 for relaxation no pain during procedure a little sting to numb skin at first felt nothing during the whole thing. My dr very gentle ans caring. I give the Lord all the credit i prayed first and asked him to send me to a dr thar he wanted me to have. Had a lot of people praying for me. God answered every prayer. Cant wait to have right side done in 2 weeks

[@eboniingram9106]

Beautiful renderings! Thank you for helping me to understand visually what I just had done.

[@billg1995]

Thanks for the honesty about how long it might last AND that after a couple of times this may no longer work. I am scheduled for mine in a couple of weeks and at least I know the realistic expectations.

[@doristhecoder765]

You are awesome Dr. Shim! The visuals are most helpful

[@gerardocabral87]

Excellent explanation. I just had my first facet frequency ablation today and this was very useful. Thank you Dr.Shim

[@cloudypac]

Hey, has it helped? If yes how long it took to work.

[@gerardocabral87]

@@cloudypac unfortunately for me it didn't help at all. I had two separate procedures, one on each side. But no, no improvement. I went back to physical therapy and core strengthening.

[@pameladickson427]

Did the RF ablation eliminate your pain in your lower back? Did the medial branch nerve block help? Do you have sciatic pain down your leg also? Should I have the RF ablation in the medial branch nerves in my lower back?

[@slukky]

Great presentation, Doc; however, the music was way too loud & distracting.

[@kitkat9648]

What would be an alternative treatment for facet injury pain? To avoid a longterm issue post ablation.

[@stevenwilliams1423]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@ripleypipe]

Dr Shim, after I had a 'radio frequency facet joint denervation' procedure on my spine nearly five weeks ago the 'sciatica' type pain has become much worse so I'm unable to do anything remotely strenuous, including my beloved tennis. Like you I was hoping that ablation would solve my problems, however this 'non invasive' intervention seems to have widely different results on different individuals and I for one, regret having proceeded with it. Here in the UK, a glowing 85% success rate is quoted for RFA but down side of this procedure is not even mentioned.

[@devdroid9606]

I've had this procedure done in the neck. It didn't work. The explanation given here is fair, but know that it can also increase pain sensation on the skin. In general, this doctor's videos are well done in discussing the pros and cons of certain common spine procedures.

[@kylelisowe9316]

Just had this done today on my R C2-C3 facet joint. It wasn’t that painful until they started burning the nerve. I quickly told the doctor the pain was pretty bad and unbearable. I believe she then lowered the temperature, possibly, and then it was still painful was bearable for 60 seconds. Muscle soreness afterwards but I feel great so far.

[@deborahlove2105]

I’m having it done June 6th not looking forward to it

[@thezohan3129]

How are you now kyle?

[@pameladickson427]

Why didn’t your doctor or anesthesiologist give you IV sedation?

[@pameladickson427]

@@deborahlove2105 Did the RF ablation in your lower back help with your back pain?

[@kylelisowe9316]

@@pameladickson427 I didn’t want it. For my second ablation, I requested extra lidocaine and because of that I barely felt a thing. It wasn’t bad at all

[@wariberger-mi3bh]

Thank you,Im facing this same issues and have been treated with antibiotics only. Wish I should be treared with injection as you mentioned already.

[@smacky1966]

Dr. Shim. I am a fitness specialist and musculoskeletal anatomy tutor. Your videos are exceptionally helpful. May I ask the source of your anatomical graphics? Keep up the great work.

[@ShimSpineVideos]

I have my own animation staff, but we did purchase access to stock anatomic files that can be modified with Maya animation software.

[@dreambig8996]

@@ShimSpineVideos can a herniation aggravate the facet joint

[@livenotonevil8279]

If the nerve is ablated, won't you unwittingly allow more pressure to aggravate that area, thus creating more inflammation and not knowing it?

[@Arthur-hg7ny]

That makes sense. The joint is still damaged. You are just masking the pain and damage.

[@judy4345]

No. Have had this done several times. You still know your limits.

[@vocals1111]

@@judy4345 how long did it last for you please

[@kaitlynwright4317]

The doctors I’ve been to (countless) have no answers to this question. I young, I want to prevent damage. Not looking for masking.

[@balucandy]

U just pretty much defined the idea behind the procedure, this is not a permanent fix nor does this stop the arthritis progressing. Arthritis will progress whether u do anything or not once it has started. This is a temporary albeit a longer temporary fix to relieve pain and improve quality of life. If u get this procedure, it is understood that this is for someone who is suffering significant pain affecting their day to day life. In this case, benefits outweigh the risks.

[@BrianKitching-wv5nh]

I have terrible pain in my mid spine down to the bottom of my back which radiates into my legs and sacroiliac joints, especially on standing and walking.How can i get rid of this pain.

[@BrianKitching-wv5nh]

Hi doc,i have terrible pain in my mid to low spine,i injured my spine fracturing the T11 to L4 vertebrae,i also got a burst fracture at L5.I have been told i have facet joint syndrome,degenerative disc disease due to spinal damage and spinal arthritis.I do have primary hyperparathyroidism as well which is causing osteoporosis,.I had a facet joint injection in 2021 which didn't kill the pain,it made it worse,will i get pain releif from this and can i be knocked out.

[@ThonColinFilms]

I have had no luck with facet joint or caudal epidural injections. My pain is when I sit, and my back has been giving way when I bend forward. Is a denervation the next logical step?

[@lynnr6431]

I'd love to have an answer to this also! So if by chance figure it out I'd be very interested

[@ThonColinFilms]

@@lynnr6431 My physio and doc are telling me to not risk it as I have EDS. But I also can’t deal with no life forever !

[@minimummm]

Strange I have exactly the same issue.🤔

[@ThonColinFilms]

@@minimummm Any plans for yours? I'm having a denervation next month :\

[@minimummm]

@@ThonColinFilms I had medial branch block twice but it didn't work. I should probably just lie and say it did work to try denervation as I am not getting anywhere otherwise.

[@funwithfood7451]

I’m having the radiation frequency oblation and it does talk about the deadening of the nerves or the burning of the nerve edges unfortunately because of this I’m doing some research where I’m seeing a lot of people are not happy with the results but some are should I be hesitant about this I already have a scheduled appointment the insurance or apparently approved it I had the medial branch block and that did good for a few days or maybe a little longer and because that worked now I’m gonna get the RF ablation I would love some input!!

[@Indian-girl09]

Did you have it ? How did it go I need your advice please

[@funwithfood7451]

@@Indian-girl09 I had the ablation done it did do a lot of good I had some serious pain when I got up out of a chair or after sitting up and I am happy that I had gotten it done it said or the doctor said to give it 4 to 8 weeks for to see more results I’m still not at that point yet but for what I had done and what it has done for me I am glad I had it done and whatever results beyond that I see I am looking forward to it but it’s still not at that point yet I’m still early in the process.

[@Indian-girl09]

@@funwithfood7451 thank you so much so I actually spoke with a spine surgeon that’s a friend of ours he stated that may work once or twice but as the nerves grow back they may bundle branch and then be hard to determine and once ablated that time can cause more damage and deterioration than you had before . So I’m gonna sit that procedure out for a min and try the block where they block the faucet joint L 4 and 5 . I wish you the best cause that’s some god awful pain we deal with . May you be healed my friend

[@spiritwardiaries]

@@Indian-girl09 Hi have you had the block yet?

[@Indian-girl09]

@@spiritwardiaries I’m scheduled in may but this is a block for the faucet joint l4 and 5 . Not the ablation this video speaks . I’m going to try that first

[@makingface79]

Thankyou for this! I'm in the beginning phases of treatment for stenosis and pinched nerves. This helps me tremendously to understand all these treatments. Mt 1st step is cortisone epidural. What are your thoughts on nerotin? I've been on zanaflex 1x a night for 1 year. It only helps me fall asleep. I'd live your insight. I can't do pain pills as they make me sick and anxious. I've tried everything from pt, to weekly massage. I live on ib profin and Tylenol. My pain is 7-10 most days for 1 -2 years. I have moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis, degenerative change at c5 c6. Calcification and spurring, Cervical radiculopathy, and arthritis.

[@BGCDOG]

Do you have someone in the Boston area you might be able to set me up with? I’ve been dealing with facet joint pain for the last 20 years & in quite a bit of pain..I’ve had steroid injections but they no longer have an effect..Any help would be great..I really believe I could benefit from this..

[@johnnyrodriguez276]

Have you done anything to relieve pain? Im in alot of pain exercises don't help

[@debannboocherhicks8841]

My block only lasted a few hours !

[@cabrito1cabral]

Can Rfa help someone with sciatica?

[@cabrito1cabral]

The answer is no

[@leftyjaysmith]

How long is recovery after you have the ablation before you can go back to work? My L4-L5 has been an issue for me off and on for 5 years. Therapy seems to make it worse. I do a lot of bending and lifting. Nothing heavier than 25lbs, but I want to know how long before I get the ok to go back to normal activities? They are doing the test injection in early August. If it works, then they'll proceed to the ablation.

[@johnnyrodriguez276]

Hey did you get relief bro?

[@leftyjaysmith]

@@johnnyrodriguez276 They are doing the test injection in early August. If it works, then they'll proceed to the ablation.

[@jakethesnake4971]

@@leftyjaysmith any updates?

[@leftyjaysmith]

@@jakethesnake4971 I had the ablation. It did nothing for me. It was as if he burned the wrong nerve. Went back in after 6 weeks and he gave me an injection in my right SI joint. Been 2 weeks, the pain/stiffness is still there. I'll see him again in late January. If he doesn't fix the problem, I'm looking elsewhere

[@jakethesnake4971]

@@leftyjaysmith I appreciate your reply 🙏

[@katemsmith8293]

How can you tell if the ablation failed? I am in a lot more pain than I was before the second ablation. I am a little confused

[@sandrazbonski4476]

Oh no !!! Scary

[@johnnyrodriguez276]

Did you find something to relieve your pain? I don't believe an injection will help our problem but i want to know if you got relief before i spend money out of pocket im confused too :(

[@laurasanders7304]

My dr offered the ablation but said PRP is more effective but not covered by insurance

[@gerrygizzygarcia2572]

Can this help heairnated discs

[@kylelisowe9316]

I’m not a doctor but unfortunately I highly doubt it. This only targets the facet joints which is a completely different “joint” then your discs.

[@gerrygizzygarcia2572]

@@kylelisowe9316 well that's the thing I've been getting responses from doctors another pages and other websites and social media as well and they all say is good for your back just as good as it is for your neck and niece so just to be safe I might try it on my knee first

[@shaystern2453]

gee if it ain't permanent why do it?

[@debannboocherhicks8841]

Mine only lasted a few hours !

[@eurowerx4267]

The sedative they placed around the injection point was likely what gave the relief you experienced. Same with me. These dont work on me

[@Yosoyreina222]

Should I get sedated for this

[@stephanielynnesalem]

I'm going in for this procedure on Tuesday. They told me I would receive local anesthesia for the pain because they needed me to be awake. You will need to tell them if you have a radiation of heat in the right location when they perform the test phase prior to the radiation phase. I hope this makes sense and that it helps. Also, they told me to ice the area a lot as I would be in discomfort for the first day.

[@DracapellaDeetz]

I'm being sedated for it in 2 weeks as am having both sides done at the same time and the Dr knows it'll be painful and doesn't want to put me through that!

[@Indian-girl09]

Thanks doc well explained . Bless u

[@kylelisowe9316]

I just had this done today on my C2-C3 facet median nerve without any sedation. It didn’t hurt much until the burn. It was a little unbearable for a couple seconds and I told the doctor. She must of then decreased the heat by a little and then it was still pretty painful but bearable for 60 seconds and then it was over.

[@Indian-girl09]

@@kylelisowe9316 without sedation = I bow to you oh great one . Cause ain’t no way . I wish you a speedy recovery keep us posted on your pain level my friend .

[@dubaitourisim]

my suggestion only remove l4 l5 disk hernition extra metrail dont do R F abltion . bcz i feel burning sensation more than 4 month completed my pain is more worse after that procedure .

[@jamesatlee2590]

They are extremely painful. Never again.

[@EduardoSanchez-qo4vz]

Better than open surgery, if it patches the Pain that is great , better feel better and have a little bit of relief!!!than suffering every day, at least we know what to do next , mask up the pain , fuc* it !!! Ok I would definitely do it all o over again !!!