Does Radio Frequency Treatment Help Cure Nerve Blocks?

Posted on Wed, 27 Sep 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 Answered on

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : is it necessary to have a radiofrequency after four nerve blocks? I just had them done and the last time I had a radiofrequency my leg was numb for about 8 weeks and I do not want to go through that again. So I was just wondering if it was necessary. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Kindly answer the following to comment further

What exact condition are you doing both the nerve blocks RF for ?
Do nerve blocks provide adequate relief or is there considerable recurrence despite the procedures ?

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

hi. I have two pinched nerves in my lower back. a couple of years ago, I had nerve block and radiofrequency done. the radiofrequency made my right leg feel numb for about 7 weeks. I had 4 nerve blocks done the past couple weeks, but when I sit sometimes,my pinched nerve really bother me. As u can tell, the nerve blocks didn't help much. I do not want the radiofrequency. Is there anything else I can do to help me? thanks so much

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Medications like NSAIDs, pregabalin, Gabapentin and tramadol/tizanidine are first line with such painful condition. But I presume, you would have used them before going for the nerve block and RF procedures.

Apart from these, I would suggest Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy which uses low-voltage current for pain relief. You can ask for this option from your physician/therapist.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (7 hours later)

thanks. I had the nerve blocks, but they didn't seem to help. do you think I should have rf since my leg got really numb a couple of years ago for about 8 weeks? I really don't want to go thru that again. I do have a tens unit. should I try that instead of going through rf even though I had nerve blocks? thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

RF would be the next step if the nerve blocks don't work. Yes, TENS would be the way to go if you aren't comfortable with the RF and having inadequate response with nerve block.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng