November 16, 2009 - 12:01am
Has anyone had a medial branch block and radiofequency neurotomy of the facet joints in their thoracic spine? The scoliosis I have in that area has created arthritis in the facet joints, and is becoming very painful. My spine doc diagnosed it and wants to do these procedures to try to control some of the pain. I have some other questions to ask him, but wondered if anyone has experience with this? What sucess rate can I expect? How much of your pain was reduced?
I'm worried about having the sensory nerves burned. And having the pain become worse, or having nerve pain. I just finished 2 months of PT... deep tissue massage with myofascial release... and it put me into so much pain afterwards, I missed work and was miserable. And the massages weren't that deep. I've had very deep massage in the past with no issues at all. I used to go see my chiropractor, but the last 3 times I've gone, since May, I've ended up with extreme pain for two days afterwards.
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, but it appears the facet joint pain can mimic fibro. I've always had pain in my spine, ever since I was a kid (from the scoliosis, and later, injuries to my back), and have taken anti-inflammatories for years, and muscle relaxers. I'm taking Lyrica (almost 2 years), but I can't say it's helping, and I'm getting off it. I was using the fentanyl patch, 25 mcg every 48 hours, and it became less effective. I'm now taking 30mg of morphine sulfate ER twice a day with hydrocodone 7.5 for BTP. This pain is coming right through the morphine. I'm also taking zanaflex, which I asked my doc to reduce, but I need to go back to a higher dose.
I am not able to be as active as I used to be. At my job, my office is up 3 flights of stairs, which I am up and down several times per day. Plus walking around the plant I work in. I do some lifting every day, some days more than others. I am careful doing this. I can't stand for as long as I used to, but it's always been painful to stand for long periods. I keep changing my position, I'm finding being in one position too long is painful.
I need to decide on this course of treatment, but wanted hear about your experience with it. Sorry for the rambling. Thanks for your responses.
I'm sorry for your added DX. I connot help, I am not a candidate for any spinal injections due to my combo of DX's but I know alot of people who have had everything from the epidurals to the nerve abilations(sp). Some swear by them and have had tremendous relief while others have had no relief. A few have had added problems as a result of getting these procedures but they are rare. I fall into the catagory of "A Rhuemetologists' worst nightmare" at least that's what mine calls me LOL. My Nuero just shakes his head and says "I'm always scared to look at your latest films, your spine scares me". Very comforting I might add, good thing I have a sense of humor.
Someone will chime in who has had the procedures. Good Luck.