I had 2 done for my neck. Ive been debating if I should respond because my experience wasn't positive but I know it has worked for others. It could just be that I had a crappy anesthesiologist who did the wrong nerve. Anyway, I'll tell my experience but please keep in mind everyones different.

The gist is they burn the nerve with radiofrequency waves that is causing you pain. Its a pretty fast procedure about 20min. They usually do an epidural or nerve block first to make sure they've identified the right nerve affected. I had 2 sets of those too.

My first rfa was ok in terms of pain just didn't help my neck pain. All of the injections are done with xray fluoroscopy- A live xray so they can see where they are putting the medicine/rfa. They don't do it blind. They will give you a shot to sedate you. Not completely more like conscious sedation at the dentist. You need to be awake to direct them if you feel pain.

My second rfa was 3wks later. My anxiety was high so I was given 2 doses of sedation which knocked me out. I woke up during the procedure with my left arm jumping uncontrollably while the Dr is yelling at the nurse to turn it down. Apparently the radio control was on the wall and the nurse literally turns up the volume. Just like a radio. I left in severe pain. Once the numbing agent wore off that side of my neck stayed numb. Like a dentist's shot of novacaine. It stayed like that for 3mo. But didn't help the pain in my neck. If that makes sense.

I went to a neurologist who said the nerve was over stimulated and caused the numbness. Which was probably why my arm was jumping on the table.

Just make sure its done by an anesthesiologist and research him completely. Also keep in mind its a short term solution. The nerve grows back. Best case is 6mo I think. But Ive heard people got relief for a yr or more.

I'm sorry if I scared you or poo pooed on your situation. I just wanted you to know the downside so you can make an informed decision. Ive tried every avenue to get rid of my pain. Every homeopathic/natural treatment as well as medical. I've recently surrendered to pain meds as a last resort. My neck arthritis/DDD & spasms are just to painful to live with anymore. Its now moved into my shoulders as well. My pain started from a whiplash injury in a car accident. My facet joints were damaged.

Please don't let my case keep you from trying it if you're a candidate. If it doesn't work for you at least you tried everything you could. I wish you the best of luck finding relief. I know how frustrating this road can be.

Hugs!

Have you had any diagnostic tests done to identify the issue? I have been having it done in my lower back and the first round lasted nearly a year before the pain started to come back. Just went in about a month ago and did not get as much relief this time. It is important to check to see if ther are other problems cuasing your pain. My wife had similar issues a few years ago and when I finally talked her into seeing my neurologist they found her C4 disk was pinching off her spinal cord. He said if she had fallen or had an accident she could have been paralized. I certainly would not have it done if you have not been checked for other issues.

thanks for the info guys i have not had any tests to see what nerves are causing pain yet. this appt ill be making is a consult to see if im a candidate i would hope theyd do the tests to see if it would work before actually doing it. i have a bad neck that i think was cause by a car accident when i was 14. i have two bad discs that are bulging bones spurs my vertebrae are compressed too if you were to look at my xray i had taken plus i have chronic migraines and at times my right arm goes numb now the pain is going into my shoulders i have tried nasids muscle relaxers for my tight muscles in neck and shoulders and i have done pt too so dont know what else to do im only 32 i dont want to be in pain anymore have been like this since 16