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Facet Joint Injections - Anyone had success?
I have just began a series of facet joint injections for chronic lower back pain, due to arthritis and degenerative spine disease. The injections start off small then they add more medication as we continue. I had the first injection 3 days ago. I was told it could take upto 5 days to start feeling the benefits of the injection. The injections (total 6 in L2-L6) hurt like heck, and I have not felt any change in my chronic pain as of yet which is quite depressing. I was so hopeful. I am told the first injection is with just a small amount of anti-inflammatory med, so it may or may not be sufficient. Has anyone else had these? If so what was your experience with the entire process? I'm just wondering if I should proceed.
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I just had six facet joint injections, three on each side of my spine. Four of the shots were at the L3-L4-L5 position. Two were in the upper back. After 24 hours there has been not relief. These injections were the means to locate the precise location of the pain, after which an ablation would be performed. Does anyone know the next steps to resolving my pain up to but not including a pain stimulator.
Thanks
George
What procedure was used to determine which facet joints were the issue?
My pain is just above the waistline about four inches from the spine on the left and right sides. On the right side the pain extends to the groin area. I was just looking up pain related to this area(s) and found this.
Sacroiliitis is inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which are some of the largest joints in the body, and can cause pain in the lower back and buttocks. Pain from sacroiliitis can be felt on one or both sides of the body, and it may be accompanied by stiffness or weakness. This pain can also go to the groin.
I have an appointment tomorrow to discuss the negative results of the injections
I had a total of six shots to help with lower back pain. After 24 hours, no change. I spoke with pain management and was met with a PA. The first thing was to see how I felt about a pain stimulator. I ask her if I could go over all my symptoms. Pain in both sides in my lower back. Pain now extends to my buttocks including my groin. Symptoms are at their worst getting out of bed in the morning. Issues with rotating my hips and rolling over in bed. I told about my research with SI joint issues. She agreed that the symptoms were similar to low back issues.
I am going forward with shots to the pelvic region on both sides. Hoping the shots will work
@gkissick Have you worked with a physical therapist? It's very common to have laxity in the SI joints and have the pelvis go out of alignment. That does cause pain like you describe. I have this shifting in my pelvis and my therapist showed me some ways to level it out. A physical therapist will determine if the illium bones are twisted forward or inwards. It kind of makes it like one leg is too long when it's off, and when that happens to me, I get low back pain on one side of my spine. I haven't done shots, and I hope you find relief.
I had two MBBs done at L4-L5-S1 to determine the source of approx 30 years of lower back pain that has grown worse. The results of the MBBs ( required for Medicare coverage ) did show I was in the 90-95% group where an RFA would bring relief. Had the RFA done and it had zero effect on the pain. My MRI does show artheritis beginning at L4 and progressing down to the S1. I was on Meloxicam for about 5 years but has since become ineffective same with 800 mgs Ibuprofen as needed. I stopped all the meds. I have tried PT and Chiro but no improvement. I was told that I could have an Epidermal but I have had two of them in the past and I said no to that. I am scheduled for a consult with the PA about an RFA do over or Facet Joint Injections. Any comments ?
I have had the facet block three times; did NOTHING for the pain. The last time, he did 6 injections; still nothing at all. I'm considering the Intracept procedure, but it is fairly new. {I have 6 different issues going on in my back]
I am NOT a spine doctor but IMO if the facet blocks failed then you can only assume the source of the pain is not coming from those facet nerves. The problem is how to determine the location of the source.
I had one done and it hurt hurt hurt!!! And it did not do one thing for pain.
Hi there. I suffer from the same issues…degenerative spinal disease and osteoarthritis, plus scoliosis. It sounds as though you will be getting a series of injections, with increasing dosages for your chronic pain.
It’s hard to be patient for relief, but if this is just the first injection and you will be getting subsequent injections, try to hang in there. It does take time.
I have had numerous injections and they no longer work for me. I have run the gamut of treatments such as nerve blocks and radio frequency ablations to no avail. A roller coaster from high hopes to total disappointment.
My pain was affecting my sleep and quality of life. My primary care provider decided we try Cymbalta . It’s helped with my pain.
Good luck!