Hello all, I am new to this group and suffer from facet pain for a few years now. I had gone through the facet injections ( which gave short term relief) , then Radio Frequency (longer relief) back in 2006. The follow up PT did not seem to focus on the muscles that had suffered atrophy. This past fall I went to a renowned hospital in Boston, the New England Baptist hospitals Spine Center. There they review my x-rays and MRI’s and said my spine was in great shape but I did show some signs of arthritis on some of my lower facet joints. They suggested that I enroll in their physical therapy program known as “Bad Back Boot Camp” It is not as physically demanding as the name implies, what they did do is focus on certain back muscles that the original therapy did not seem to cover. I was able to regain considerable upper back and hip mobility. In addition I am able to turn my head from side to side without having to turn my back.

The facet pain has returned and I am in the process of having the Radio Frequency done again. I am encouraged by the fact that I feel I know the type of physical therapy that will strengthen my muscles as well as improve my flexibility and turning.

I do not take any pain medicine or muscle relax medication but I use an ice pack daily as well as a heating pad every other day.

I will update again after my Radio Frequency which is being done this Thursday.

Good luck to all

Hugh