Facet ablation

Posted by andilynn @andilynn, Dec 12, 2016

I'm wondering if anyone has had ablation in the lumbar region. I have a bone on bone situation at L5. It seems that everything that's attempted such as injections or physical therapy just makes me have more pain. My neurologist said I'm not a surgical case and this ablation may help. He gave me Voltarin to apply three times/day to try. It doesn't seem to do anything. I have pain all around the sacrum especially in the early hours of the morning. Lately I've had more symptoms in the daytime too. This is only since I had a couple injections in the lower back. Anyone else out there with this issue?

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@andilynn, I would encourage you to consider some pain management doctors. I've had years of experience with them, and found that though two were not good, two have been terrific. Here in Florida we unfortunately had the "pill mill" epidemic where greedy doctors were doling out opiates without making sure the patients were not substance abusers. Since the crackdown on these doctors I've found that there are anesthesiologists and M.D.'s who are most reputable and truly care for their patients. I found the two good doctors through contact with a support group of chronic pain patients. They were extremely knowledgeable about the doctors to avoid especially. The group had guest speakers who were professionals and my BEST pain management doctor was one of those speakers. She saved me. Don't give up! Help is out there.

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@barbara94

@andilynn, I would encourage you to consider some pain management doctors. I've had years of experience with them, and found that though two were not good, two have been terrific. Here in Florida we unfortunately had the "pill mill" epidemic where greedy doctors were doling out opiates without making sure the patients were not substance abusers. Since the crackdown on these doctors I've found that there are anesthesiologists and M.D.'s who are most reputable and truly care for their patients. I found the two good doctors through contact with a support group of chronic pain patients. They were extremely knowledgeable about the doctors to avoid especially. The group had guest speakers who were professionals and my BEST pain management doctor was one of those speakers. She saved me. Don't give up! Help is out there.

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Thank you Barbara! I will try to find someone reputable within driving distance.

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@barbara94

@andilynn, I would encourage you to consider some pain management doctors. I've had years of experience with them, and found that though two were not good, two have been terrific. Here in Florida we unfortunately had the "pill mill" epidemic where greedy doctors were doling out opiates without making sure the patients were not substance abusers. Since the crackdown on these doctors I've found that there are anesthesiologists and M.D.'s who are most reputable and truly care for their patients. I found the two good doctors through contact with a support group of chronic pain patients. They were extremely knowledgeable about the doctors to avoid especially. The group had guest speakers who were professionals and my BEST pain management doctor was one of those speakers. She saved me. Don't give up! Help is out there.

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I live in Iowa and go to Mayo in Rochester. Where did you go for pain rehab

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I had a few weeks of physical therapy in Sandusky, Ohio. It failed so we had to stop. That was back in September.

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There is no Pain Rehab. at MAYO how shocking ! ! !

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@elizabethbryant

There is no Pain Rehab. at MAYO how shocking ! ! !

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Hello @elizabethbryant. I understand you may be looking for information regarding Pain Rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic. The Clinic calls its Pain Rehabilitation a Center and not a Clinic, which may have contributed to the confusion. It took me a minute to find it as well. Here is the link to Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Center, http://mayocl.in/2iIMpuJ.

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@predictable Good evening Martin I have the same back problems as everyone here plus a L2 fracture in 05 it now has my whole left side worse including burning nerves . About 5 yrs ago I also have bone on bone in my thumbs the rheumatologist then injected my left thumb with hyloronic acid it still doesn't hurt I don't know if they can put that in the back joints but it would be wonderful if they could. I just had a cortisone injection in sacroiliac The Dr. wants to give me one in my arthritic knee also for my muscle spasms on left side of back trigger point injection its lidocaine . Waiting for referrel to come through I wonder how long that will last .

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@lioness

@predictable Good evening Martin I have the same back problems as everyone here plus a L2 fracture in 05 it now has my whole left side worse including burning nerves . About 5 yrs ago I also have bone on bone in my thumbs the rheumatologist then injected my left thumb with hyloronic acid it still doesn't hurt I don't know if they can put that in the back joints but it would be wonderful if they could. I just had a cortisone injection in sacroiliac The Dr. wants to give me one in my arthritic knee also for my muscle spasms on left side of back trigger point injection its lidocaine . Waiting for referrel to come through I wonder how long that will last .

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Well @lioness, it appears that you and your doctor are working together toward better conditions in your joints. Literature suggests that hyaluronic acid is a good option in many cases, working as a pain killer, tissue rejuvenator, and lubrication proponent. If you have confidence in your doctor, you'll take measured steps toward solutions. For me, avoiding the surgical knife was a primary goal, and so far that's worked! Martin

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@predictable

Well @lioness, it appears that you and your doctor are working together toward better conditions in your joints. Literature suggests that hyaluronic acid is a good option in many cases, working as a pain killer, tissue rejuvenator, and lubrication proponent. If you have confidence in your doctor, you'll take measured steps toward solutions. For me, avoiding the surgical knife was a primary goal, and so far that's worked! Martin

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@predictable Surgery is out if the question for me as well I'm glad I changed to this new pain Dr In the beginning he suggested the spinal cord stimulator since he knows that's not an option he is working with me now You do have to be your own advocate

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Has anyone had facet Ablation done? I have had 6 spinal injections within the past year and none have worked. My Dr wants to send me to pain management and possibly do facet ablation. I was just wondering if it works and what to expect. Is it a painful procedure? How long did the results last? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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