A Look At Nerve Ablations

Mar 22, 2021

In the past we have discussed the #1 treatment option most doctors use for treating low back pain, the Cortisone Epidural. 

Let’s take a look at the next available option: Radio-Frequency Nerve Ablations. Here’s what the studies are saying:

What is a nerve ablation treatment?
Radiofrequency nerve ablation, is designed to burn and destroy nerves in order to disrupt the transmission of any pain signals.

How well does this work? Let’s take a look at the studies.

Study 1: Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Interventional Techniques in the Management of Chronic Spinal Pain

• This study compared all conventional therapies used to treat low back pain.
• It concluded that Radio-Frequency Nerve Ablation can provide short-term relief for about 3-6 months.
• It also concluded that RF Nerve Ablation showed a 47% success rate in treating low back pain for long-term relief after the procedure.

Study 2: Effect of Radio Frequency Denervation on Pain Intensity Among Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

• This study reviewed 3 separate trials that compared RF Nerve Ablation combined with a targeted Exercise Program to a control which was just a targeted Exercise Program.
• The study concluded that there was no clinical difference between the two groups and did not support the use of RF Nerve Ablation.

From these studies, we’ve gathered that nerve ablations can provide short-term relief for 6 months at best, does not fix the problem, has a low success rate for long-term relief.

Looking for a treatment that provides both short and long-term relief, improves the function, is safe, and can help fix the issue? Learn about Dextrose Epidurals.

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