Hi, I also have had both...but have been getting injections in neck back and now hip for several years. Both have helped but I prefer the steroid over the ablation. I have also done PRP to my right hip for torn labrum and torn hamstring which was successful in terms of me not having surgery. I have both OA now severe for 12 years all over and then the RA for almost 4 years with other medical problems. I would try the steroid injection first and if your anesthesiologist is good the area will be numbed enough to not cause pain but only pressure while injecting the medication and they can stop and give you a deep breath break before they continue also should be done under fluroscopy. I hope this helps you..God bless

The downside of ablation is that it CAN be hard to find the right nerve. I knew a girl who had a very bad back, they never did find the right nerves. Also, the nerve can grow back. Good luck, let us know. I want my hubby to get ablation for his back and he does NOT want to. He gets caudal injections and is due for another one. Six months apart. .

An ablation is they burn the nerve endings causing the pain and an epidural is they put medicine in your spine to help the inflammation

Carol I have done both ,A couple of times. Have had FDA in upper back and lower. The upper back one seem to last longer . Ra ,I have had it since I was 5 ,now at 67 ,I also have oa. I do know that the rfa does work ,but if the injections work for you go for it. Every one is different !!! What works for one may not work for another.later this month, i will be getting rfa in my lower back ,as it works for me! What ever you do ,wish you best of luck !!!

Last year, I tried Dry Needling, which I call a different version of acupuncture. I had 15 to 20 small needles in both hips and lower back. Then an electric current ranging from 1 to 10 was given. I tried to be brave with 6 or 7. It lasted 20 minutes. The initial effect was good and I was moving pretty good. Then it started weaning off. I am sure it will work better for someone else, not me.