NeuroTalk Support Groups - Anyone have a nerve ablation? Also spur

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- Occipital Neuralgia and other Cranial Neuralgias (https://www.neurotalk.org/occipital-neuralgia-and-other-cranial-neuralgias/)

- - Anyone have a nerve ablation? Also spur (https://www.neurotalk.org/occipital-neuralgia-and-other-cranial-neuralgias/51158-nerve-ablation-spur.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathi49 (Post 336659)

Mindy,

I haven't had an ablation at the C2/C3 level but have had facet injections which work fairly well. Now, years ago I was told I could have an ablation but my PM warned me that there could be ongoing or permanent pain. So, I never opted for any of it in my neck...had to have two fusions instead anyway because of bone spurs and herniations. However, I do know of people who have had the ablations done in their neck and did well. I can say that it can take awhile for the nerves to die back so to speak. But six weeks sounds a bit long. And who did the ablation? Since your girlfriend has conflicting reports about the pain generator it may be that she needs diagnostic injections OR to see a Neurosurgeon. I hope she can get some answers. The C2/C3 can be very, very painful. :( Oops, forgot to add...even with the two fusions I still have plenty of bone spurs. What I normally do, when it acts up to the point no meds will touch it, is to get injections from time to time. And I can full well understand how she can't sit at a PC. I was in IT when it hit me and could barely function; had to retire about 3 years later and after two surgeries. Poor thing...I wish her well in finding the right answers.

Kathi
I was just reading this & part about unable to sit at pc is something I relate to. Also, my job has required that I go on the road for many hours at a time and now I find just sitting in the car seems to make the ON worse. I wonder if others have this problem.
All you people are making me feel so not alone-thanks.

painhead,

From what I understand women tend to have a head forward posture. I know I do. And that was what was killing me. So, I had to have my workstation adjusted; ergonomically correct. One thing that helped and after my fusions was wearing a soft collar while at the PC...still does. It is kind of a reminder when you have it on to sit correctly and does help to relax the muscles. And, well, my PM has said no desk work ever again. I CAN sit at the PC and type out a few posts but NEVER an all day thing.

There was also a period of time where I traveled for 3 years but that was before any spinal issues. But I have no doubt it contributed to some of this.

And driving or rather riding long distances was a killer. I never left home without my soft collar and a cervical pillow. It seemed just every little bump in the road killed me.

But, no you are not alone. Besides the people I have met online there is only one other who had this and was a co-worker. We used to compare notes all the time and I remember many a time when she said she was just ready to plop her head down on her desk. It is so painful and so difficult to describe to people what it really feels like. :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by mindyeva7 (Post 336467)

My girlfriend had a nerve ablation at C2 about 6 weeks ago. It doesn't seem to have done anything but make her worse! I would like to hear from anyone who has had one and their experience. She can't sit up to use the computer so I am doing the research.
She also has a fairly large bone spur in the area, she has has conflicting reports from 2 docs as to whether or not this is causing pain. Anyone else with spurs?
Thanks
Mindy

I have bone spurs and my neuro doc thinks they cause the problem. Out of work since Oct 1 - thought I was on the mend - twice now relapse - planning for facet joint proceedure - sure hope it works. Wish your girlfriend well for me.:)

Occipital Neuralia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathi49 (Post 377161)

Snappy,

I am from Indianapolis too. :) WHERE did you have the nerve ablation done? If you want or need the name of a good PM that treated me for all of this, I can give you his name. :) He is an Anesthesiologist with a background in Internal Medicine and Pain Medicine; Board Certified, etc. His speciality is "cervical pathology and headaches coming from the cervical spine". He is now the Director of the Spine Clinic at a certain hospital. And I will just add I was being seen somewhere else for 3 years with no relief in sight! Then a co worker of mine told me about the doc I am referring to and he was my savior!! :) Anyway, if interested, let me know.

My wife is suffering from Occipital Neuralgia, waht was the name of the Doctor in Indianapolis who helped you. We are running out of options

Hi Nelko,

His name is Dr. Dan Nordmann and he is at St. Francis Hospital (the new campus) on the Southside and is the Director of the Spine Clinic there. If you would like, PM me and I can give you his phone number. He's really a compassionate/empathetic doctor and it doesn't hurt to know he has had two cervical fusions himself. So, he KNOWS what occipital/cervicogenic pain is like. And I wanted to add...I feel for your wife and anyone else who has to contend with this. Rest assured and as Dr. Nordmann has told me, he sees patients EVERY DAY with this. Good luck and tell your wife to hang in there. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by snappy10 (Post 377011)

I would like to show you something I have read..... go to mdjuntion.com and log in. Then go to occipital neuralgia and read my posts and others that have told me about decompression surgery....... wow ???????????

Hi,
I to am suffering from Occipital Nerve pains, and am scheduled for surgery or Occipital Ablation on May 18. Do you have any recommendations ?
I also have had a major decompression performed by a neuro surgeon in Charlotte, NC, which was a disaster and has required many more surgies. You can PM me if you like

Robert, I haven't had an ablation to the occipital nerve, but my pain management doctor says that pulsed radio frequency is reported to work very well for RFA of the ON but the problem is most insurance companies don't approve it because they claim its "experimental." Inquire of your doctor which type he'll be doing and let us know.
Take care and best wishes for success.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathi49 (Post 377161)

Dear Kathie,

I was just surfing today and saw your post...... my e-mail is snappyten@yahoo.com

anyone can contact me..... I am 60 years old and had o.n. of c-2 since I was 20 years old from a bike accident,,,,,,,,,,,,

I am 60 years old today...... I have had many years of suffering with o.n.

I have had four ablations and they have been great for me ,,,,,, they do not last forever,,,, they do heal.... but is better than the full blown symtoms ,,,,,

one key for me for the success of the ablation is this very important for me....

when they turn the power on you must find the nerve first that is vibrating,,,, turn on the juice and try to get near the nerve to burn .... if it tingles you are near the nerve....... it may take a couple pokes to find the nerve........if you do not hit it you will have to do it again.........

YOU MAY GET RELIEF FROM THIS PLACE AND THAT IS GREAT......BUT IT MAY JUST TAKE OFF ON ANOTHER HIGHWAY AND YOU WILL HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN..... I HEARD ONE GUY SAY YOU CAN BURN THESE NERVES MANY TIMES...........I GOT THE ABLATION DONE AT VETERANS HOSPITAL IN INDIANAPOLIS...... THEY HAVE BEEN GREAT FOR ME ..... I FLEW HOME FROM IRAQ AND HAD AN ABLATION DONE AND WENT RIGHT BACK TO iRAQ..... THEY ARE SUPER TO ME.....

I HAVE POSTED ON m.d. JUNCTION AND THEY ARE GREAT..... I HAVE HEARD OF MORE SUCCESS IN THIS SURGERY..... I AM ON MY HANDS AND KNEES TRYING TO GET VETERANS TO DO THIS SURGERY...... ANYONE CAN CALL ME ......... SINCERELY SNAPPY10