Facet Joint Injections - Pain Management Message Board

HikingFan · 07-17-2003, 03:47 AM

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with facet joint injection procedures. I had the bilateral injections done about 36 hours ago, and am still pretty sore from the needles, so I think its too early to tell if they worked. I've posted this on the arthritis board, and only had one nice lady respond who has been through this before.

Anyhow, since I know a lot of people here have spine and back problems, I thought maybe someone had a success/failure story to share? Also, if you have a success story, how long did the injections give you pain relief, and what exact problem did you have to begin with?

Thanks in advance for your stories and support!

Sara

mokita · 07-17-2003, 04:27 AM

Hi Sara!

Haven't had the injection yet. Am scheduled 7/28 - so, you'll know more than I!

Someone s/b along to answer your question.

Good luck!

Karen

------------------
9/22/00 24 hour labor, baby posterior, left tailbone killing me
12/00 MRI - PCP said nothing amiss - but, had to begin taking vicodin
2/8/02 - 2nd baby born after long, painful pregnancy, weight gain didn't help
2000-11/02 various PT + pain meds
11/02 Referred to Neuro
3/03 NEW MRI - shows slight bulge L3-L4,slight DDD, neural foramen involved, Superior aspect S1 and L5 Nerve root involvement -Neuro Refers to PM for ESI
3/03 PM Doc orders ESI
3/21,4/1,4/8 - ESI's no help
5/9 - Discogram - shows Tear L4 w/ significant leak onto nerves, DDD
Performing doc oversedated, False Negative (pm doc & I agree)
New Consult w/ Dept Head Cleveland Clinic 7/8 to discuss possible new discogram/IDET candidacy
7/8-Doc ordered Facet Joint nerve block for 7/29 to rule out/identify as pain generator. If not, new discogram.
Also, thinks tailbone prob is dif issue - wants x-ray - THOUGHT I had one - didn't!! They are ordering.

grizzk62 · 07-17-2003, 07:14 AM

Hiking Fan,

I hope that you are doing better. I have had Facet joint injections before. It has been a few years ago so I will try my best to tell you all that I can remember. I have Degerative facet disorder and DDD and lots of scar tissue and tons of damage since I broke my back in 1985 and have 4 surgerys since. About the proceedure. I was sedated which I'm glad because even though I was sedated it was still very pain fully. I laid on my stomach and then they used a floroscope to guide the needle into the jionts and then inject the steriod. It took a total of 15 minutes from start to finish. That day was the worst day for me as far as hurt from the proceedure. the next day I was very sore. and then the next day was alot better and was able to return to work. I did have a series of 3 injections and I did benefit from them for quite a while. But not everyone does. I'm on some therapys for my liver at this time but my PM docs wants to do another series as soon as I'm done with the liver thing. Some people experience bad headaches afterwards to but not everyone. Thats all that I can remember. I hope that this has helped. If you have any specific questions I will do my best to answer them. Again take good care.....

Matt

ChefMarky · 07-17-2003, 01:54 PM

I have been on the table several times over the years. I speak for myself and my experience was they produced short term pain reduction. Short term was several weeks. I still had to take pain medication of a lower dose.
Today two MRI's several catscans, discograms, bone scans, epidurals etc. etc. etc, I am on methadone 80mg. I once stopped cold turkey because I didn't know better, I was lost and my wife pressured me into doing this service for her. Stupid stupid stupid, I nearly took my life and must say those three weeks were the worst of my rntire life. A wonderful pain medication but I was not informed that this was a marrage until death do us part. Can't live with it can't live without it.My profession down the toilet. I would not enter this realm lightly and a therapist and or shrink is for me a life saver. As for the other pain medications, I can work on them but the euphoria at the dosage I need does me in after time. Like a drunk sooner or later some dumb action or verbage that would otherwise go unsaid leaks out, And as my pal Emeril says BAM. I am going to be 49 and wish I had never taken this path. What I gained in pain reduction I lost in self worth. This is my first post.I feel at home.

Wes1212 · 07-17-2003, 02:24 PM

sarah, i don't know anything about them, but if they work why not try?