Nerve burning risk.What insurance doesn't tell you

Insurance pays. But what’s the price?

Nerve Burning Risk | Balanced Alternatives to Radiofrequency Ablation in Dallas & Plano

If you’ve been offered nerve burning (radiofrequency ablation, or RFA) for back, knee, or shoulder pain, you’ve probably heard the positive first: “Insurance covers it.”

But what isn’t always discussed is the nerve burning risk.

RFA works by disrupting pain signals, but in doing so, it can sometimes affect nerves that also help activate important stabilizing muscles.

• In the spine, medial branch RFA may lead to multifidus atrophy in some cases. The multifidus is a key stabilizer of the vertebrae, and losing its support can contribute to mechanical stress over time.

• In the shoulder, suprascapular nerve ablation risk can include motor weakness in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. While advanced methods like ultrasound guidance or pulsed RFA aim to reduce this risk, sparing the motor branches completely is challenging.

• Around the knee, genicular nerve ablation can sometimes disrupt normal joint mechanics, though outcomes vary depending on technique, rehabilitation, and individual anatomy.

It’s important to note: these risks are possible, not inevitable. In skilled hands, modern approaches can reduce (but not entirely eliminate) the chance of motor involvement.

Considering Repair-Focused Alternatives

Orthobiologic treatments—such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—represent a different philosophy: repair while RFA disrupts pain signals.

PRP’s primary role is to support tissue repair in tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. In cases like rotator cuff injuries, tendon pain, or early arthritis, this tissue-level repair may indirectly improve muscle function and joint stability.

But patients should also know:

• PRP outcomes are promising but variable.

• There is currently no universal standard for PRP dosing, preparation, or protocol.

• Research continues to evolve, with studies exploring platelet concentration, delivery methods, and patient selection.

While insurance doesn’t usually cover these repair-focused treatments, many patients choose them because they align better with long-term goals: protecting stability, preserving strength, and reducing reliance on short-term solutions.

Shared Decision-Making: Your Health, Your Choice

This isn’t about declaring one approach “bad” and another “good.” It’s about asking the right questions:

• Do I want short-term relief even if it may carry muscle-related risks?

• Would a repair-focused approach better support my long-term mobility and performance?

• Am I comfortable with out-of-pocket investment for a treatment not covered by insurance, but designed to preserve tissue?

Both RFA and PRP can have a place. What matters most is making an informed decision in partnership with your physician, based on your condition, goals, and values.

Transparency

This perspective comes from a clinic that specializes in orthobiologic repair strategies. It’s true that there is variability among practitioners offering platelet or stem-cell–based procedures. That’s why we’ve chosen to align with Regenexx, a pioneer in the field for over 20 years. Regenexx has produced a significant portion of the published orthobiologic research and maintains one of the largest outcome-tracking databases in the specialty.

Our protocols are not guesswork—they are built on the most up-to-date findings from this patient database, guiding how to best utilize cell-based treatments like bone marrow concentrate and advanced platelet procedures. This ensures every patient benefits from a process that’s grounded in evidence, refined by experience, and consistently updated for safety and results.

For Leaders Who Refuse Shortcuts

If you’ve built your life on excellence, you already know shortcuts rarely deliver lasting results. The same is true in medicine. RFA may provide pain relief in the short term, but real strength comes from choosing approaches that support long-term performance and preserve the structures you rely on every day. At Pain Experts, we guide discerning patients toward strategies that align with resilience, transformation, and quality of life—so you can keep leading at your highest level, without compromise.

If you’ve been offered nerve burning and want to understand all your options—including Regenexx-based repair strategies like PRP and bone marrow procedures—schedule a consultation at our Dallas or Plano office. Together, we’ll map out a plan that prioritizes excellence, quality, resilience, and transformation in your care.

Schedule your consultation today.

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