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Epidural Or Ablation?

A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boone, NC

Hola everyone!! Hope everyone is managing and having a great day. I have a question for anyone that has had an epidural or ablation? I just had me 2nd round of medial branch blocks from my L4 to S1 And now I’m scheduled for an epidural instead of ablation. He said he was afraid ablation would t work and didn’t want to try it just yet. What’s anyones thought or opinion on it. Thanks!!

April 30, 2022
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A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I have had multiple epidurals. Sometimes they work for a little while and sometimes they last longer. A lot depends on if they inject the correct disc(spot). No experience with an ablation.. Good luck.

May 31, 2022
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member
I had better luck with epidurals and I thought the bilateral lumbar rfa procedure hurt more than anything I tried.

April 25, 2023
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I’ve had epidural & nerve blocks, they wanted to try both before during an ablation. I think The epidural worked better (not by much) nerve block I think Was a waste of time since it only helped a small amount for a couple of days.
Since neither have much relief they said the ablation wouldn’t work on me & wants me to have surgery.
Really scared to have the surgery so going to try more physical therapy.
Hope the ablation works for you, please give an update so we know how you did.

February 23, 2023
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I have done nerve block, ablation and epidural, in the past. The last pain dr I went to all he wanted to do was nerve block and it didn't really help more than a few days. I don't remember if the ablation worked or not. However, I had epidural in 2016 and it helped for about 3 years. I am looking forward to the new Doctor I see next month to see about getting epidural done again and seeing how bad my back is since my last imaging. Hope this helps. I am in Louisiana.

February 22, 2023
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I've had ablation & other shots which none have helped longer than a day or 2 and not much. That was several years ago. I've never had an epidural, am too afraid to try it because of how painful they are. My back, sciatica and thighs have been really hurting ALOT in the last 3 months. Trying to hold out until my rheumy appt on May 8th, (I think that's the date). I'm already taking 1800mg of gabapentin, my pcp just increased my Methocarbamol from 1500mg to 2250mg & changed me from tramadol to Tylenol 3. Very little improvement but it's better than none. I use a heating pad (laying on 1 now) & I use a tens unit. I've had fibromyalgia for more than 23 yrs and other things. Sure wish they'd find a miracle pill, lol. Wouldn't that be awesome. Which do you prefer Brandylynn13? Hope you all have a pain free week!!😊

April 24, 2023

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