L4 & L5 Facet Injections

[BRUTUS]

Hello everyone. I had facette injections last Thurs at the L4/L5 levels and my pain has gotten progressively worse. I am currently taking 60mg of oxycotin every 8 hrs but this just reduces the pain to about a 6 or 7. Went to the surgeon on Monday and CT scan showed normal with everything in place. I had my surgery on Sep 3rd, lamanectomy and L4/L5 with dynamic stabilization. I can no longer drive because of the pain and spend alot of time in bed because of the pain. I go see the pain Doc on the 21st... this is horrible ... any suggestions???
Thanks- Andy

[Justin]

Hi Andy,

I'm sorry that you are experiencing a spike in your current pain levels. With facet injections, there is usually an initial irritation of the nerves that can take about a week to settle down. During this time, many Spine Patients have increased levels of pain / symptoms until the injections start to "kick in."

Even though you are in pain, try and stay active (go on short walks throughout the day). If possible, avoid laying in bed as this will only "snowball" the effect of increased pain and lead to weakened core / spine stabilizing muscles.

Keep us posted on how your appointment goes on the 21st, as we do care. Hang in there--we are here for you!

[Cindylou]

I was about to say the same thing. My pain levels always go up initially after most any injections. And as hard as it is, do try to walk and move some like Justin suggested, because in the long run, you won't regret it. And it will pay off. I am sorry for this interim spike in pain for you. It does suck when you go to get tx for pain, only to experience worse pain in the beginning. Why can't some doctor invent a treatment so that the minute you have had the procedure, you get immediate pain relief and long lasting results. Now that would be worth a million bucks!

[BRUTUS]

Cindy,
I agree. It has been 11 days and I am in some serious pain. I get up make breakfast, shower walk around the house about 6 times and the pain starts. I am on 60mg of oxcycotin every 8 hours and it only lasts about 6. I try not to take it sooner and don't however around the 7th hour I really start to feel the pain and have to lay down. I have been like this since the shots. I see the pain Dr again this Thurs. Someone suggessted Lycira... at 4 and a half months post op I was sure I wouuld feel better. Xrays and CT scans all show normal for hardware placement and other problems. The pain Dr mentioned something about nerve cauterization (deading) as a possible next step. I know that this won't permanetly fix the problem. I don't know if I am still healing or what. At this point I would do anything to alleviate the pain so I can drive, go back to PT and a somewhat normal life. I am also physically tired because of the pain but I force myself to get up every hour and walk. I just hope that there is some relief ahead-
thanks for listening- Andy

[Justin]

Hey Andy,

How are you feeling and how did your visit to the pain doc go? I hope you are doing well.