My orthopedic surgeon has suggested trying using a radiofrequency probe to stop pain messages from the nerve to the brain at my L34 spinal joint. She says it will reduce the pain considerably. Is that all it does, really? I can live with the back pain if I just keep moving.

Radiofrequency denervation is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at cutting the nerve to the facet (spinal) joint that's generating the pain signals. High heat delivered with a special probe (electrode) is used to burn through the nerve, cutting off sensory (pain) signals to the brain.

It gives short-term (six to nine months) pain relief. During that time, patients are able to reduce how much pain medication they take and increase their activity level. Combined with an exercise program, you may experience less disability and a better sense of well-being. Many patients who were unable to work at all before the procedure are able to return to their jobs at least on a part-time basis.

The treatment helps save money spent on pain relievers. At the same time, for those patients who are able to get back to work, their earning potential increases. Those two factors make this a cost-effective treatment for many people.

So besides pain relief, patients report increased activity, decreased disability, improved quality of life, and more money in the pocket.