Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) of the spine, DDD is in fact a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life. While disc degeneration is not a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant...

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Facet Nerve Block?

nemcgrath
nemcgrath
Has anyone had this procedure?

All they told me was it takes only minutes and lasts a few hours. Then, they will repeat the procedure-not sure why? If that one works well then they will "burn" the facet nerve.

I would love to know your opinions on this subject and results you have got. I have my most recent MRI films to take with me.

Anyone have good results? Or bad experience?

Thanks
Nancy
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Nancy ~ Yeah, I've had it done. It didn't work. Even tho it didn't work, they did the 'nerve burn' anyway. The trouble is, the nerves grow back so what's the point? Nerves grow back at the rate of 1" per month. So you might have a few months reprieve. And maybe not. The 'nerve burn' didn't work on me either!!! I have NO idea why ~ either they did it wrong, or??????

I'd ask them the reason for doing it since the nerves grow back. I didn't know that then. I didn't know ANYTHING then! lol

Best of luck, Nancy. I'm so sorry you're in such pain. God bless. Hugs, Lee
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Nancy ~ Yeah, I've had it done. It didn't work. Even tho it didn't work, they did the 'nerve burn' anyway. The trouble is, the nerves grow back so what's the point? Nerves grow back at the rate of 1" per month. So you might have a few months reprieve. And maybe not. The 'nerve burn' didn't work on me either!!! I have NO idea why ~ either they did it wrong, or??????

I'd ask them the reason for doing it since the nerves grow back. I didn't know that then. I didn't know ANYTHING then! lol

Best of luck, Nancy. I'm so sorry you're in such pain. God bless. Hugs, Lee
deleted_user
deleted_user
This thing is driving me nuts. It keeps double posting. Sorry
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had the same thing and so far so good. They started off with the facet injections. If you have a good result for that then you are a candidate for the Radiofrequency ablation. If the facet injections don't work, then neither will the RFA. I had it done several months ago and it takes about 6 weeks to notice a change. I haven't had the lower back since (or near as bad). Yes, I still have to be careful of what I do, but the improvement has been worth it. The procedure isn't bad and it holds off having to have surgery which is my main goal. Make sure the one doing the procedure is qualified! I go to a pain clinic but only one of their Drs. does this procedure.
nemcgrath
nemcgrath
Thanks to both of you!

I had the first of 2 injections to block on Friday and man did it work! And Boy did it make my right side pain really seem amplified-as they only did the left side.

Lee, I will certainly inquire about the regrowth of this nerve. Right now any type of aleviation will be welcomed.
Slow-I am with you I do NOT want a 5th back surgery...NEVER!
Love yas
nemcgrath
nemcgrath
Spoke with my attorney on friday and he wants me to have a discogram now-B4 the ablation...YUCK! I'd rather give birth...I am scheduled for an EMG tomorrow and we are hoping for some concrete results to show my radiculopathy...we need it for my case to proceed.
Wish me luck-please!!! I just want to be better (as we ALL do) and am loosing faith in my case ever going anywhere at this point which is of course what they want you to do.