Radiofrequency intradiscal thermocoaguation

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

Has anyone ever had this procedure done for acute pain? It has now become very popular for chronic pain that does not respond to conservative treatment. I have had 3 back surgeries. All of them helped, to the point that muscle relaxents and medication that helps nerve pain has worked very well. I have now herniated a disc that already has had surgery. It has reherniated itself, back in April. I have tried antiflammatories, nerve blocks with steroid injections, and physical therapy. My neurologist feels that I should see my surgeon again. I use a pain management doctor, but he does not do this procedure. I was wondering if this procedure is used only for patients that do not respond to the conservative measures as well as surgery, or can it be done before surgery is tried.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I am not sure of the name but is this where they put the needles in your back then they heat up the tip to kill the nerve. If it is I had that done.

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

Yes, one in the same!

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I had this done about 3-4 years ago. Did it help, yes but since I have Osteophytes that grow. I still have pain once in a while if I move the wrong way.