Facets and SI Joints

[skepsis x]

Hello all,

I'm curious, I've been a member of pain management for about a year and a half, I've had several epidurals, trigger point, SI Joints injections and not much relief but some for a little while. Now they are throwing around Facet injections, what is the difference in Facet, Epidurals, Trigger points and SI Joint injections?

I've got several disc's that have problems, as well muscle and nerve pain. All from a car accident. I don't get much relief from even pain meds for very long after being on them for so long.

[Bobbi]

Been there, and done that, as well.

The facet joints are what assist in mobilizing the spine/back or allow for movement (or a decrease w/degenerative disease, etc.).

The SI Joints and injections affecting the area(s) are more targetted for sacroiliac - which can be affected by, i.e., inflammation.

I'm actually stunned that your PM doc or PA, etc., were not asked or did not offer you more detailed info. prior to injections and consent.

[Kathi49]

Ditto what Bobbi said...have been there and done that too.

I have had one ESI in the Lumbar and one SI joint injection; both of which didn't help very much with the pain. BUT, my issues are mainly with the facets anyway. So, I would try the facet injections. I have to be careful how I say this because I am not quite sure. I THINK my PM has gone into the joint itself. But when he has actually blocked the medial branch nerve that runs across the facet is when I really got relief! He has (after a couple of lumbar facet injections) done an RF (ablated that medial branch nerve) and that gave me significant relief for up to a year. I think I need that procedure repeated and is something I need to talk to him about.

Anyway, I don't think it would hurt at all to try the facet injections. But I wanted to ask, did the doc say that the facets could be the pain generators? Or did he happen to mention what his reasoning is? What does the MRI or MRI report say? If so, then I would try it since nothing else has helped. And the facet injections just might help. :)

Oh, and Bobbi is right...you will probably have to sign a consent form; I usually do for ANY injection.

[Peter B]

Skep,
First of all allow me to welcome you to The Chronic Pain Room. If you're like most people, you were lurking for a while before you joined. I just wanted to make sure that you are aware that there are 2 or 3 "spiney" rooms here besides the CP room. I've never looked into those rooms (I should) and I assume you'll find some pretty knowledgeable people there as well.

That's it. Again, welcome,

Pete

[Bobbi]

Here are links to additional spine-related forums here that Pete mentioned:

Spinal Disorders
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=251

Spinal Cord Injury
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=250