What Happens If Nerve Ablation Doesn't Work?

Nerve ablation is a common procedure used to relieve chronic pain by disrupting nerve signals. While many people experience great results, it doesn’t always work for everyone. 

If you're still dealing with pain after your procedure, you're not alone—and it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In this blog, we’ll explore the signs of a failed nerve ablation, why it might not have worked, what to do next, and answers to common questions patients often ask. So, what happens if nerve ablation doesn't work?

Signs That Your Nerve Ablation May Not Have Worked

Nerve ablation is meant to bring relief, so it can be discouraging when the pain sticks around. If you're a few weeks out from your procedure and wondering whether it was successful, here are some common signs that it might not have gone as planned.

You're Still in the Same Amount of Pain

One of the clearest red flags is when nothing feels different. Most people notice some relief within a week or two, and by the four-week mark, pain levels should have dropped noticeably. If yours hasn’t, it’s worth checking in with your doctor.

The Relief Was Short-Lived

Sometimes, the pain goes away for a bit, only to come roaring back. That could mean the anesthetic wore off and the ablation didn't actually target the root cause, or the nerve has already started to regenerate.

Your Pain Has Shifted

If your pain has moved to a different area, the original nerve might not have been the only one involved. It’s possible that more than one nerve is causing the discomfort, and a broader approach may be needed.

Things Feel Worse, Not Better

Although rare, some people notice burning, tingling, or even worsening pain after ablation. This might be due to nerve irritation or inflammation, and it’s important to report any new or intensifying symptoms right away.

Still unsure? You're not alone—and the good news is, you’re not out of options. A second opinion, new imaging, or alternative pain treatments can help get you back on track.

Why Nerve Ablation Doesn’t Always Work: 5 Common Reasons

If you’ve gone through a nerve ablation procedure and didn’t get the relief you hoped for, you’re not alone. While this treatment has helped many people manage chronic pain, it doesn’t always go according to plan. Understanding why it might fail can help you and your doctor figure out what to do next. Here are five common reasons nerve ablation may not work as expected:

1. The Right Nerve Wasn’t Targeted

Pain can be tricky—it doesn’t always point directly to the source of the problem. In some cases, the nerve that’s actually causing your pain isn’t the one that was ablated. This might happen if the diagnostic nerve block (a test done before the ablation) didn’t clearly identify the pain pathway, or if multiple nerves are involved.

2. Your Pain Comes From a Different Source

Not all chronic pain is nerve-related. Sometimes, pain might be due to joint issues, muscle tension, or even psychological stress. If the root cause isn’t nerve-based, then ablating a nerve won’t make much difference. That’s why it’s so important to have a thorough evaluation before and after the procedure.

3. Nerve Regeneration Happens

Here’s something many people don’t realize: nerves can grow back. It doesn’t happen overnight, but over several months, the ablated nerve may regenerate and start sending pain signals again. For some people, this leads to pain returning after a period of relief. In such cases, a repeat ablation might be an option.

4. The Ablation Wasn’t Deep or Precise Enough

Like any medical procedure, nerve ablation depends on technique. If the heat or radiofrequency energy didn’t reach the exact spot at the right depth or temperature, the nerve may not have been fully disrupted. Some patients may need a second procedure done with image guidance or by a specialist in pain management.

5. The Condition Has Progressed

Chronic pain conditions can evolve. Even if your nerve ablation was technically successful, your pain might persist because the underlying condition (like arthritis or a herniated disc) has worsened. In such cases, nerve ablation alone might not be enough, and a more comprehensive treatment plan is needed.

What to Do Next 

So, your nerve ablation didn't bring the relief you were hoping for. While that can feel frustrating and discouraging, don't give up just yet. There are still plenty of next steps you can take, and in many cases, a failed ablation simply means you need a different approach or a little more digging to find the true source of your pain. Here are some smart ways to move forward:

1. Go Back for a Follow-Up Evaluation

Start by checking in with your pain specialist or referring doctor. A post-procedure review can help identify what might have gone wrong, whether the wrong nerve was targeted, if other nerves are involved, or if a different condition is contributing to your pain. You may be referred for updated imaging (like MRI or CT scans) or additional diagnostic tests.

2. Consider a Repeat Ablation

In some cases, a second nerve ablation may be recommended, especially if the first one gave you partial or short-term relief. This could be done more precisely with improved imaging or targeting techniques. Your doctor may also try a diagnostic nerve block again to confirm the right nerve before proceeding.

3. Explore Alternative Pain Management Options

If nerve ablation isn’t the right fit, there are several other pain relief treatments to consider:

• Physical Therapy: Can strengthen surrounding muscles, improve mobility, and ease pressure on affected nerves.
• Medications: From non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to nerve pain meds like gabapentin or pregabalin.
• Injections: Steroid or nerve block injections can offer targeted, temporary relief.
• Spinal Cord Stimulators: A more advanced option that involves implanting a device to block pain signals.

4. Think Long-Term, Holistic Care

Chronic pain often requires a multi-faceted approach. Combining physical therapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, and the right medical treatment can provide more sustainable results than one-off procedures.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Seek a Second Opinion

Sometimes, fresh eyes make a big difference. Another specialist might catch something the first didn’t or suggest a new route entirely.

How to Emotionally Cope When Nerve Ablation Doesn’t Work

Dealing with chronic pain is already exhausting—but when a treatment like nerve ablation doesn’t deliver the relief you were counting on, it can feel like a heavy blow. Emotionally, it’s common to experience frustration, anxiety, or even hopelessness. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there are ways to manage both your pain and your mindset.

• Allow Yourself to Feel Disappointed: It’s okay to feel let down. You invested time, hope, and maybe even money into this treatment. Give yourself space to acknowledge that. Pushing those feelings away often makes the emotional toll worse.
• Reframe the Outcome: Rather than viewing the procedure as a failure, try to see it as part of the process of elimination. You now have more information about what doesn’t work—which brings you one step closer to finding what does. Medicine is often about trial and adjustment, especially with complex pain.
• Lean on Support Systems: Talk to someone—a friend, therapist, or support group—who understands chronic pain. Sharing your experience can reduce emotional weight and help you feel less isolated.
• Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Chronic pain and stress are closely linked. Meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or even journaling can help your mind and body manage the ongoing struggle. Reducing stress may also lower your pain sensitivity over time.
• Stay Engaged in Your Care Plan: You might feel tempted to give up or stop trying new treatments. Resist that urge. Staying proactive and involved in your care gives you more control and can improve long-term outcomes. Trust that pain relief is still possible—just through a different route.

A failed nerve ablation doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply means your journey to healing needs another turn—and with the right support, both physically and emotionally, you can still get there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long should I wait to see results after ablation?

Most people start feeling relief within 1–3 weeks. For some, it may take up to a month. If you feel no change after 4 weeks, follow up with your doctor.

Can I undergo nerve ablation more than once?

Yes. If you experienced temporary relief or partial improvement, a repeat ablation may be considered. Nerves can regenerate over time, so some patients undergo the procedure every 6–18 months.

Is the pain worse after a failed procedure?

While uncommon, some people experience temporary increased pain, tingling, or sensitivity. This can be due to nerve irritation and usually improves over time. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Are there long-term effects of a failed nerve ablation?

Generally, there are no serious long-term effects from a failed ablation. However, untreated pain or repeated procedures may lead to frustration and decreased quality of life, making proper follow-up care essential.

What type of doctor should I see next?

A pain management specialist is the best place to start. Depending on your case, they may refer you to a neurologist, orthopedic doctor, or physiatrist for further evaluation.