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Facet Joint Injections - Anyone had success?
Spine Health | Last Active: May 7 1:35pm | Replies (135)Comment receiving replies
@icopro59
Good Morning
I hope I am not too late to respond.
RF ablation is more than just a shot.
RF ablation is when the nerve(s) giving you a problem are cauterized.
The idea is if the nerve endings are killed off (temporarily), your pain will lessen.
Since the procedure is geared in one place, not all of the nerves involved (in the pain) will be done.
This is a temporary stop gap that can last 6 months depending on how long it takes for the nerves to regenerate.
Your doctor should have done 1 to 2 test injections (under a florascope) to see if he/she could find the nerves involed.
A shot is given. If the spot is found, you should get relief for 2 to 4 hours. The shot area is recorded by the florascope so the doc knows where to do the ablation.
Each person is different but in my experience I was able to go about my business the next day.
However, plan to stay home after the procedure. You might recieve a mild sedative and you might be a little sore requiring icing.
Regardless, you should have someone go with you and have him/het drive.
BTW...in my experience, this procedure is uncomfortable. If you sre offered a sedative i advise you to take it. I've been taking all sorts of spinal injections and I have NEVER taken a sedative. My doctor insissted for this (not the test but actual procedure). I am glad he did.
I hope I haven't scared you out of this. If it works, it is worth it!
Good luck !!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
Replies to "@icopro59 Good Morning I hope I am not too late to respond. RF ablation is more..."
I’m having facet injections done in the morning, where the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae meet. My doctor is very experienced, but I am also very sensitive to pain. Are these injections painful?? He was insistent they’re only mildly uncomfortable but now I’m getting really scared. 🙁
Your posting is Very informative, thank you for the details! In early February I had 4 bilateral facet injections in my lower back and for 7 days prior I'd had to cease use of my long time pain med (Diclofenac/Celebrex) so it was clear I definitely experienced at least a few days of nearly complete pain relief after the injections but unable to say how long it lasted as a week later I was down with the flu followed a week later by hospitalization for a severe GI bleed due to my NSAID back medication. So I found myself in worse pain than before since the injections didn't work and I could no longer take my meds. In a consult with my spine Dr he felt that since I'd gotten *some* relief from the first round, that a 2nd was worthwhile. Had the same sites done in early May and this time the final injection hurt like hell but no lasting effects once the local wore off.
I've been frustrated by how slowly things are moving, other than our short summer season and all the things I'd Like to be able to be doing 🙁 , but I'm now scheduled for the RFA on July 1st. The prep notes sent to me say I'll be given 'conscious sedation'. Was this what you were given? The prep notes also warn about driving afterwards, which seems like a longer time than for the injections. I have another appt. to travel to the following day and not sure that I should.
I am really hoping that RFA will be my saving grace as I'm not a surgical candidate due to osteoporosis, age and the degree of scoliosis. I appreciate any tips and feedback and will continue reading others experiences. Knowledge is Power!
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@grandmar Boy I hope I never have to have that done Im chicken So far the anti inflammatory creams are helping .