Many that I have talked with about ablation told me basically that you are likely to get temporary relief from the pain. However, nerves grow back and from what I understand the pain returns with a vengeance. I chose not to get it and I'm now glad that I did.

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member. Hello my fellow MG and Happy New Year to you! 🪷 Maybe your Rheumi said that because he/she knows that ablations don't affect cytokine production or have anything to do with whole body healing. However, if they help you have less pain overall for longer than a few hours, even in just the one area the deadened nerve affects, who cares. That relief alone is a good catalyst towards overall improvement. I hope you'll be able to do more of what you enjoy this year. ☺️🙏🌺

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A MySpond...

12 years ago when this was offered to me, the dr said they would first do a nerve block promarily to be sure they are hitting the nerve causing my pain. Then, if it worked, they would later do the ablation of that nerve, already knowing they are on the right one from the prior block. Many years ago, 30 +/- my mom opted for this, they gave her the nerve block and that was all she needed. That pain never returned. Apparently it was just a severe prolonged muscle spasm that had hardened the fascia into a rock like mass. The nerve block gave long enough pain relief that the area relaxed and stayed relaxed while she had a rolfer (deep hard tissue) masseuse release all the tension in the area. Despite her spine issues, that pain never returned. I didnt go through with the procedure because most of the time the stuff that they say could go wrong does with me. I decided not to risk it and just keep up with the PT, so far so good despite the MRI readings. You can find my latest MRI for cervical spine reading under the Updates on my wall this October if it will help you to know what i do in case it's similar to your condition. I hope it helps. Yours in better health, P 😌🙏

Hello Mochse, I didn't know RFA was a treatment for nerve pain until I read this. I've never had it. I read your question, the description from the Spondylitis team, then read the link provided by them about the procedure. I can't say I have an opinion. I do have several areas where damage to my nerves from A/S cause chronic pain. It was suggested I get injections to alleviate pain. for a temporary period. My questions would be does RFA ablates the nerves causing the pain and is that nerve area destroyed? Also, Is there permanent numbness and is that why you can't feel the pain anymore? I hope you are able to hear from someone who has had this treatment. Meanwhile, take care of yourself. I'm very sorry your pain is severe and constant. Lola

Hi Moche, what did you decide about having Ablation ? I had cervical ablation and lumbar ablations in the fall from my pain management doctor. I have had many in the past and they have always helped my pain.
I went to my Rheumatologist recently informing him of my Ablations. His response was Ablations will not help pain associated with AS. I regretfully didnot ask him why nor did he explain. My pain med doc knows of my AS condition but it wasn’t discussed at the time of procedure. Good luck to you.