I did; the effects of mine have lasted roughly 18 months. I was quite happy with the outcome, in that the procedure did help quite a bit. One of the RFA procedures was for occipital neuralgia (the high C-spine was nerve nuked - and I don't remember the exact levels without digging out the post-op report); it was also bilateral and multi-level.

For several months, as I mentioned, the major effect of the procedure was that I didn't have daily, horrendous headaches.

The effects, most likely, from RFA will not be permanent, since the nerves will (most probably) regenerate with time. The benefit is that the procedure, if successful or effective in reducing symptoms can be repeated.

Also, when I've had RFA, it de-clawed (lack of a better way to say it right now) my hand; I couldn't get the darn'd thing to open without hours on end of each day passing.

I've had the procedure done on my C-spine and L-spine, each time bilateral, multi-level. It was quite effective for me.

I know it's not the same for everyone, and that's also why it's beneficial that doctors do the diagnostic procedure - to better assess what might be the outcome if going ahead with RFA, etc.

Afer numerous Cortisone injections, my pain management doctor suggested RFA and suggested I check the research on it for my own peace of mind!

Has anyone actually had success with this procedure to help the nerve pain associated with bulging discs?

I detest taking pain medicine, so I'm willing if there's a good chance of zapping this pain...... N

Ditto what Bobbi said!

EXCEPT that I have only had it done in the lumbar and twice. Both times I have had about a year's worth of relief. And ready to have it done again on October 1st.

N,

I would give it a try. As Bobbi said, the nerves will regenerate. But if you can get some significant relief, I would go for it. Good luck!

I had RFA's done in Feb and Mar of this year on L1,2,3 bilateral. 100% success. No pain. I would have it done again in a second. Got rid of 2 1/2 years on opioids. Clear head finally.

I have DDD and I did RFA on the facets of C2-C5 last year, and its made the difference between my going on disability full time and being able to continue working half time. Since I don't know if I could trust my supplemental disability company, this difference is very important to me. Next week I am having L4 L5 and S1 done, and I will need to repeat the cervical spine in the coming months. For me it was well worth the pain and recovery from the procedure! I am allergic to narcotics btw, so my options for pain control are limited. I am only 46 years old, I probably have a lot of years left of herniated disks, spinal impingement, and all those painful peripheral neuropathies that goes with this crud. Thank God for radio frequency ablation.

oh oh, I am 46 and I am scheduling my third RFA.