facet joint syndrome

[AndreaM]

Hi.  I have had chronic back pain steady, everyday for over a year.  I had acute bp 4 times in the past, that naturally went away on its own.  However May 2006, it returned and never went away.  My MRI's say I have L4-L5-S1 disc heniations on the left side, but previous studies show it has improved.  YET MY PAIN IS ON THE RIGHT AND CERTAINLY HASN'T IMPROVED!!!  I've done the traditional NSAIDS, ice/heat, etc, PT, acupuncture, 2 epidural injections, and NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK!  I do not have radiating pain, no leg pain, no sogns of sciatica.  The pain really feels like my back is going to snap in half. Its not really a piercing pain (nerve), rather like mechanical pain if that makes sense .SOmetimes I can't move my hips back...  the PT suggested my problem was facet joint syndrome, but my insurance woulnt pay forme to continue PT anymore.  

does anyone know they have facet joint syndrom?  If so what does it feel like?  What do i do?  should i get those facet shots?

Also should I go to a chiropractor and have him crack me back into alignment???  maybe my hips are off so thats what is casuing so much stress???

please help me

[bowlerchick]

I have had really bad pain and headaches sence Jan. of this year and I'm going to have the Facets Injections this week in C3C4C5C6 it's my whole neck. I have had 2 MRI's and the first one a year ago didn't show anything and when I had one in Sept. of this year it showed that I have a pinched nerve and a herniated disc in my neck I'm in pain 80% of the time. I have been taking medications for pain and I'm tired of taking them so I hope that this works. There going to send me  to Life Back Rehab. which is suppose to help you manage pain I hope so. Did you have the injections if so did they work I have talked to people that have had them and they said they didn't help them at all. If it don't work for me I'm going to go see a neck doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mn and get see what they say before I would have any type of surgery on my neck. I hope is well.

[mingliechin]

Hi,


    Sorry to hear that.. Same here with me I have low back pain and leg pain for almost 6 months now due to work related injury.My 1st mri showed bulging disc in L2 and L3.still having a leg pain and numbness doctor wants EMG/NCV result was S1 abnormalities 2nd mri was done result " normal".But still having a low back pain. went to a different doctor told me its a facet joint syndrome.
Facet joint syndrome refers to pain that occurs in the facet joints. This syndrome most often affects the lower back and neck. Lumbar facet syndrome might cause referred pain to the buttocks and thigh. Facet syndrome in the neck might cause headaches or shoulder pain.
What are the symptoms of facet joint syndrome?
Symptoms of facet joint syndrome in the lower back include:

    * Pain or tenderness in the lower back
    * Pain that increases with twisting or arching the body
    * Pain that moves to the buttocks or the back of the thighs — This pain is usually a deep, dull ache.
    * Stiffness or difficulty with certain movements, such as standing up straight or getting up out of a chair

[AndreaM]

what are caudals...

thanbks so much for your response

[toolmaker]

A caudal is an steriod injection

[toolmaker]

I know what you are going through and have followed a very similar routine.I own a small business and must work daily.The solution that has been working for me is pain management including caudals and facet injections.It will not cure the problem but will help maintain a somewhat normal life.