topic Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN in Wellness

SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:15:31 GMT

I have spinal stenosis that is prominent in my right

lower-back area.

For the last year, my pain mgt doc (very excellent) gave me 3 epidural injections that helped.

Between the 3rd and 4th epidural, the doc introduced the subject of doing an ablation procedure on me.

There were 2 mandatory "numbing injections" that I took that were mandated by Medicare in preparation for the ablation procedure. However, I was hesitant to do the actual procedure because I would have to be sedated with Propofol.

After the 2 "numbing" injections, I experienced no improvement in symptoms. A few weeks ago I received the 4th epidural injection that I'm entitled to each year.

At this point, my symptoms (pain) seem to be worse than before I took the first epidural injection.

As a result, I'm again thinking about the ablation procedure.

Has anyone personally or anyone you know had success with ablation?

As an aside, I've had 3 joints replaced, 2 hips and 1 knee. In each case I had the kind of pain I'm experiencing now with my back. HOWEVER, once the surgeries were done, I had full, painless function with all 3 joints.

In the case of my back, IT CAN'T BE REPLACED so I have to reconcile myself to receiving ongoing and continuing treatment to manage the condition.

Thanks so much for giving me any info that will be useful for me to decide whether or not to try ablation.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION-back are PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

Carmie — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:25:44 GMT

I have never had ablation, but I wonder why you're hesitant in receiving propofol. This drug is used for a lot of procedures.

I have had it for colonoscopies and even total knee replacement. You might have had it in the past without even knowing. It's a pretty standard sedation.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION-back are PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:30:04 GMT

I received general anaesthesia with the 3 joint replacements so maybe propofol was part of the mix? My knee was replaced in 2019.

Would you please tell me when the effects of the propofol on your cognitive abilities resolved and you were back to your normal mental functioning?

Thanks so much.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

jackthebear — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:36:02 GMT

I think propofol is used because it is quick acting and you wake up quickly

OP should discuss with her MD

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

CelticCrafter — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:37:34 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
I have spinal stenosis that is prominent in my right
lower-back area.

For the last year, my pain mgt doc (very excellent) gave me 3 epidural injections that helped.

Between the 3rd and 4th epidural, the doc introduced the subject of doing an ablation procedure on me.

There were 2 mandatory "numbing injections" that I took that were mandated by Medicare in preparation for the ablation procedure. However, I was hesitant to do the actual procedure because I would have to be sedated with Propofol.

After the 2 "numbing" injections, I experienced no improvement in symptoms. A few weeks ago I received the 4th epidural injection that I'm entitled to each year.

At this point, my symptoms (pain) seem to be worse than before I took the first epidural injection.

As a result, I'm again thinking about the ablation procedure.

Has anyone personally or anyone you know had success with ablation?

As an aside, I've had 3 joints replaced, 2 hips and 1 knee. In each case I had the kind of pain I'm experiencing now with my back. HOWEVER, once the surgeries were done, I had full, painless function with all 3 joints.

In the case of my back, IT CAN'T BE REPLACED so I have to reconcile myself to receiving ongoing and continuing treatment to manage the condition.

Thanks so much for giving me any info that will be useful for me to decide whether or not to try ablation.

@pdlinda that ablation procedure did not work for my mother-in-law.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

Kachina624 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:38:26 GMT

@pdlinda. I had the. Ablation procedure about 10 or 12 years ago by a pain mgmt specialist. I went numerous times, I don't remember how many, always having to have a friend drive me home.

After all that, I had no relief whatsoever, and continue to be in constant pain, only worse, today. I've tried everthing suggested. Surgery is not an option for me.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION-back are PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

Carmie — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:43:27 GMT

I never had any side effects from Propofol. When I woke up I was back to normal immediately.

BTW, I get terribly sick on other types of anesthesia. I had my wisdom teeth removed at 8 am and the oral surgery center closed at 5 pm and I was still there as sick as a dog and my blood pressure was low. They were getting ready to call an ambulance for me to take me to the ER because they wanted to go home for the day and I was too sick to move.

There are other incidences as well. I always wake up sick and throwing up. I even did this after tonsil removal at age 33. That wasn't fun.

Propofol seems to agree with me. I always feel great when I come to, not feel sick or groggy.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION-back are PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

Kachina624 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:47:27 GMT

@pdlinda. I have a history of bad reactions to anesthesia but had propofol for a colonescopy. It put mec to sleep instantly and when the reversal was done, I was wide awake and raring to go instantly with no residual effects. It was so great, I asked if I could get an order "to go". I was told no.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION-back are PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

jlkz — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:02:49 GMT

@pdlinda

With each colonoscopy, I had protocol...no delay in cognitive ability or functioning.

As posters have said here, clear wake up and quickly.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

manny2 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:47:13 GMT

My son had the ablation procedure twice. He knew it might last 2–3 years and need repeating, but both times were successful

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:52:18 GMT

@manny2

Am I understanding you correctly that your son's ablation procedure gave him 2-3YRS of pain relief???

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:00:47 GMT

@jackthebear Yes, I did discuss with my MD. He said the same thing. No problem with propofol.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:03:03 GMT

@CelticCrafter Did ANY procedure work for her?

My pain is between 4-5 out of 10. I take 1 500mg of Tylenol (break in half 2X day).

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:08:09 GMT

@Kachina624 It's disturbing that in 10-12 YEARS there apparently have been no new breakthroughs in dealing with lower back pain.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION-back are PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:13:53 GMT

@Carmie

I had a terrible reaction to certain pain meds after my joint replacements...not the anaesthesia, but the post surgical pain meds. That's why I was concerned about Propofol.

However, I had enough positive response about using it on this thread, so now I'll withdraw my objection.

Thank you.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

gaga — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:27:27 GMT

I have had many Epidurals for Spinal Stenosis, none of which took the pain away. This was required to qualify for an Ablation. When I asked about the Ablation I was told the nerves grow back & I would have to have further Ablations. I decided to not have that procedure. I also have severe sciatica & my Primary gives me Torodol Injections when the pain gets so severe that I can't walk. I only have had to have the injections 1-2 times a year & manage pain with a Tens Unit, ice therapy, Tylenol & Voltaren Gel for the pain in my legs.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

pdlinda — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:35:36 GMT

@gaga My doc told me about the fact that with the ablation, the nerve endings would grow back so I'd need another procedure.

My pain is between 4-5 at this point. I can manage to do everything I have to do to maintain my household; however, the one thing I would like to do, but can't do, is take a walk.

May I ask how you use the "tens" unit? Thank you!

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

Kachina624 — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:03:41 GMT

@pdlinda. I can't even take any pain meds. I'm banned from NSAIDs due to kidney damage and opioids either make me dizzy or nauseated. There also haven't been any new drugs for pain management for years.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

manny2 — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:13:27 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
@manny2

Am I understanding you correctly that your son's ablation procedure gave him 2-3YRS of pain relief???

Yes, The first ablation gave him almost three years of relief, and the second was just done this summer.

Just for clarity, my son has a bulging disc rather than stenosis. The principle of ablation is the same.

Re: SUCCESS WITH ABLATION-back are PROCEDURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

nrm — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:51:05 GMT

@Kachina624 Same with me. Easy peasy and no side effects.