My surgeon said it could take several weeks before noticing a decrease in pain. I am at 3 months and there is no change. Plus, the nerves regenerate so it depends on how quickly your body does this! It didn't help me. I was in greater pain for 2 months following the procedure in May. I tried a CBD/THC transdermal patch in July and the pain slightly decreased. However, I don't know if it was the patch that helped or if the nerves recovered from the procedure. Plus, the surgeon thinks maybe I had muscular pain following the procedure and the facet joints are not the true source after all. I continue using the CBD/THC transdermal gel daily and a new transdermal patch every 3 days this past month, but I am still at my pre-procedure pain. 5 healthcare providers and no answers or effective relief found. Just worsening condition since ACDF surgery in 2019 and then the RF in 2021. I will not have this procedure done again.

I had an RF ablation 6 days ago and I can't see that it helped much. I wish I would have known how much it hurts. I might not have done it.

I don't think there is any form of pain management. But we keep being hopeful one day something will reduce the intensity. It's in the bones and the DNA. I've already tried everything besides Botox and PRP which have very little research and documentation that are even effective. I can't afford to spend thousands of dollars to test something. Life is even more difficult when conventional traditional medications are not effective either.

Well I had that 3rd Ablation, but mut Insurance had changed and had to go to a different Doctor, naturally I was not happy with this.
Injection time was 4:20 pm when needle went in. I was told the local would wear off sometime in.the night, which it did as at 8:30 am. My pain was back as if nothing was done.
So I got what 16 hrs. of relief !!! Yeah, not happy..
I kinda knew something was not right as I actually felt the burn before, for say maybe 60 seconds which seemed longer, but it is actually 90 seconds at 80° C, or 176°f, and I did not feel any part of a burn on any of the 6 nerves he hit.
3 weeks later, my pain level actually increased for some reason. So here I am, just like you all on this site or most all, dealing with it. Looking forward to meeting another highly recommended Surgeon down in Delray Fl.
All I got for now.
Be safe and pray the pain go away :-)

I just had Radiofrequency Neurotomy done last Monday. C5-C7 left, C5-C6 right - they couldn't locate the nerve for C7 right so it wasn't burned! 5 days post procedure and the pain score is an 8! Same score since right after the procedure. It was a 6-7 pre-procedure. I can't even lift my head to look straight or rotate head side to side. I have to lay down very often to help alleviate the intensity and I can't get through my daily activities without resting often. I also have a red, sore, itchy rash where the needles were placed. I read it can take a few weeks until I feel the effects of the procedure, that right now the irritated nerves are healing. UGH. This procedure is only a temporary resolve as the nerves will regenerate and the pain will return. However, I do not know if I will bother repeating it should I get a good result. I am medication resistant so there is no pain relief.