Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation and post procedure pain and med
Hi, 6 days ago I had a cervical radiofrequency ablation. This was my 2nd one. The first one was about 9 months ago.Anyway, the pain was pretty bad for several weeks last time, and so far I am having a lot of pain with this one. Today I have the start of a headache. I was given 30 Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen. I've been taking it everyday except yesterday, but I paid the price for skipping it.
My biggest question is how much longer can I take these pills without running into a potential risk of Medication Overuse Headaches? I'm taking them for neck pain more so than for headache usually. Don't know if that matters?
Anyone else have this procedure? What did you do for pain, and how long did the pain last? I am just waiting for the pain to subside to see if it's going to work as well this time around.
Thanks!
Hi Lerickson,
Thank you so much for your question. Let me see what information I can give you that may help.
I've not had a cervical ablation, but do it can help relieve pain on a temporary basis. However, you may want to check in with your doctor if you are in extended pain.
The bad news is if we take hydrocodone/acetaminophen or other pain relievers, and/or migraine medications, whether they are over-the-counter or prescription, more than two to three days a week for any reason does increase our risk of medication overuse headache, or moh. If we are in an moh cycle our attacks will be more difficult to treat and we can end up in a daily cycle of pain that is hard to break.
Best of luck,
Nancy
