Question is if I cancel out the red light (a warning system of sorts,) what am I missing or doing to my body that I need?? Am confused.[/QUOTE]

I had the radiofrequency nerve ablation procedure (also known as rhizotomy?)last week Friday - after having every known procedure to man concerning the lumbar spine for 20 years.

I too have the same concern - I am very athletic and because of 100s of surgeries I have to stay active all day long or my body becomes like a rod of cement and I cannot move -

My concern is best described as this: I liken it to my torn rotator cuff in my shoulder - once the cortizone shot wears off in 6-8 months I actually get to the point that the pain is excruciating just sitting or standing - and it feels like it is just hanging there....I hide in bathrooms and weep during work and when I am with friends it is that bad!

But get another shot and I can exercise with the shoulder - albeit there is some pain but nothing like when the shot wears off....

So while I have these lumbar nerves deadened - they say exercise as much as possible - yeah and then end up permanently ruining your spine or paralyzing yourself because you can't sense that something is seriously wrong.

I guess for me it is wash - quite frankly I have studied the procedure (I am a research scientist as my day job) and the results in general of this procedure are not good - I was told less than 25% chance of improvement even if the trials went perfect. (And research shows high potential for additional symptoms long term after procedure.)

I think it is good to do your homework - although I would try anything at this point.

Even if I had just one chance that it may work - I would have done it -

I did start to exercise two days after the procedure and developed increase symptoms and severe spasms (new to me) and crazy nerve pain in legs and feet that I didn't have prior to procedure....

Not sure if it is cause and effect due to exercise or swelling or what - i was told to exercise as much as possible - as I said - however they said to rest if necesssary.....

So - I would be careful depending on what is wrong with your spine - use common sense -

K from WI