What symptoms do the diagnostic Facet Joint shots numb?

Posted by dougs72 @dougs72, Jun 18 12:43pm

I received a facet shot diagnostic shot today. It seemed to help with the back pain, but the leg muscle spasms and pain when walking remains exactly the same. I need to report whether the shot helped, to see if I get another one, and then get the ablation. I'm unsure what to do because I have a few issues going on in both sides of my back/legs that exact causes have not yet been determined- and trying to deal with them one at a time.

Are the FJ shots also supposed to take away the leg pain, or just numb the back pain for a bit to determine if they worked?

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Christine | @thisoldewe | Jun 18 4:52pm

@dougs72

I would tell the doctor exactly what you have said in your second sentence.

Always Hopeful | @AlwaysHopeful | Jun 19 8:20am

I'm scheduled to have one at C-1 and so I'm interested in what people have to say. My guess is is the facet procedure doesn't work, they can progress further with other procedures.

Cassie Marie | @csalter | Jun 19 10:37am

In reply to @thisoldewe "@dougs72 I would tell the doctor exactly what you have said in your second sentence." + (show)

In order for insurance to approve the ablation, you have to report an 80% improvement in the first and 2nd injections before the ablation.

Which to me is ridiculous, but that's what I was informed. Just thought I'd share.

dougs72 | @dougs72 | Jun 19 11:57am

In reply to @csalter "In order for insurance to approve the ablation, you have to report an 80% improvement in..." + (show)

thanks! I'm aware of that, but my question is more to do with whether the improvement is in the back area or the referred pain in the back of the leg, which is my main issue right now.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Jun 20 6:46am

In reply to @dougs72 "thanks! I'm aware of that, but my question is more to do with whether the improvement..." + (show)

Where was the injection made, what part of the spine? Your pain sounds a lot like sciatica, which I think involves the lumbar spine.

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about facet joint injections. Cortisone? Again, your leg symptoms sound like they're being caused by a problem in the lumbar spine - herniated or ruptured disc, stenosis, etc., - putting pressure on the sciatic nerve and causing pain in the back of the leg.

Sorry I cam't be of more help. Hope you find an answer. Joe

gently | @gently | Jun 24 12:44pm

hi dougs 72, if the numbing agent worked to stop back pain, it would be worth RF. If the steroid doesn't work a week following the injections, you probably need a diagnostic injection at a different level. The lidocaine numbs the nerve that carries pain from compression at the facet joint. Further down the nerve may be compressed by inflammation. It takes longer for the steroid to reduce inflammation that might be affecting pain.
An epidural injection might be more helpful. Or the more distant pain may have a separate cause. All of which your provider should keep exploring until your various pains are resolved.
Keep posting so we can learn from your experience. Meanwhile, best luck.

slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Jun 26 4:13am

The facet joint injections only relieve back pain, but FJ arthritis often coexists with lumbar disc disease that can cause sciatica. For that you need an MRI for diagnosis and possibly an epidural steroid injection. The ESI can be repeated twice at 2 week intervals if needed, and can be very effective for the pain in back of leg. Hope you get relief soon!