I had a 5 level RFA yesterday. It was the first one of 4 that I have had under local anaesthesia only. I was totally awake and able to tell the Dr. if the pain was going down the leg or contained in the buttocks. The first 4 levels went well or so he told me. (They were painful) I can tolerate pain after 11 years of shots and the whole shebang. The problem was with the last one. My spine isn't only curved but twisted and the nerve was not very deep under the skin. After several attempts he finally got the needles positioned and I am now home resting. On ice but don't remember being this sore from the last one 2 years ago. Woke up feeling better but have worn down as the day has moved on. Praying for some my h needed relief. He started at S-1 and moved up all of the Lumbar levels. Thanks for all of the information on this post. Campwalk..I have not ever had the problem you are having and would call Dr. for advice there. Hang tough...