[Jillybean]

Hi, I am new to this and really have no idea what I am doing

I was in a car accident in April and have neck problems. My doctor wants to do these cervical facet joint injections on my neck and I am so scared and so nervous. I actually haven't scheduled the procedure yet but I am supposed to call him this week. If anyone has any information on this please tell me. I need to talk to someone that has had this done so I know what to expect and what it is that I am going to go through.

Thank you for helping,

Jillybean

[Jillybean]

Do you know anything about Cervical Facet Injections?

Jillybean

[(Broken Wings)]

Originally Posted by Jillybean

Do you know anything about Cervical Facet Injections?

Jillybean

Here is a link I found on the web that has some detailed info about facet joint injections.

http://www.spineuniverse.com/article/article1166.html

[Bobbi]

I've had them - facet injections - at pretty much every level of my spine where the facets exist.

One of the benefits of scheduling the appointment is that it provides the opportunity to discuss your fears and ask your doc - or the doc who will do the procedure - plenty of questions beforehand.

The doctor should also be provide you with patient info. that explains the "what for" and "how so" it's done details.

One thing I'd definitely expect of any doc using needles in my spine is that he or she also uses a C-Arm (a.k.a., live-guided x-ray or fluoroscopy) so that it is not a hit-n-miss approach. It should entail precision, and the needles targetted.

[azoyizes]

Hello Jillybean, and welcome to NeuroTalk! This is such a great place to hang out, with lots and lots of friendly, caring and helpful people.

We are glad you found us!

Best of luck with your injections, and I hope you get relief with them.

[FranksAngel]

welcome to neurotalk ... there are lots of friendly and supportive people here so jump right in and start posting ... should you need help, don't hesitate to ask someone ... we are here to help ... hope to see you in some of the forums ... let us know how it goes

[SBOWLING]

Welcome to NT.

I agree with Bobbi. I had them done many years ago. Schedule the appt. and ask questions. Don't be affaid to ask your doctor questions answering them is part of his/her job and they want you to ask them. Read the link that was posted by Broken Wing. Good luck!!!
Take care,
Sherrie

[braingonebad]

I had cervical facet injections. It wasn't too bad. Nothing like ESIs - yow.

The Doc did use the x-ray thing of course, and there was some tingling. I think they did 4 levels on both sides of my neck. It's been a while and my memory is not so good.But it did relieve some of my symptoms - as much as I expected, maybe a bit more.

I had to rest that day, then I was fine. I think they called the first round radio frequency - where they test to see if it's going to help. Then they did two rounds, two weeks apart, of the CFJIs.

It's no picnic, but like I said, nothing like ESI, which made me wonder if we're still in the Dark Ages.

* I will not give up the secret Bush's baked bean recipe, no matter what!*

Do ask all the questions before hand - what to de before the procedure, how many times you'll have to do it, what to expect after it, etc. Remember that what you're feeling now is worse than what the needle will feel like, and that's there to help you.

[MelodyL]

Originally Posted by braingonebad

I had cervical facet injections. It wasn't too bad. Nothing like ESIs - yow.

The Doc did use the x-ray thing of course, and there was some tingling. I think they did 4 levels on both sides of my neck. It's been a while and my memory is not so good.But it did relieve some of my symptoms - as much as I expected, maybe a bit more.

I had to rest that day, then I was fine. I think they called the first round radio frequency - where they test to see if it's going to help. Then they did two rounds, two weeks apart, of the CFJIs.

It's no picnic, but like I said, nothing like ESI, which made me wonder if we're still in the Dark Ages.

* I will not give up the secret Bush's baked bean recipe, no matter what!*

Do ask all the questions before hand - what to de before the procedure, how many times you'll have to do it, what to expect after it, etc. Remember that what you're feeling now is worse than what the needle will feel like, and that's there to help you.

Hi Jillybean: I LOVE your name. Welcome to our little world here at Neurotalks. See, you've gotten some answers already. More will come.

Braingonebad:

What is an ESI? I tried to look for it on a search engine, and had no luck.

Thanks,

Melody

[Bobbi]

Melody, ESI stands for Epidural Steroid Injection(s).

Not sure why having them done would inspire someone to ponder re: the "Dark Ages," though. But, my doc was stunned when I told her that not all docs use Versed or opt for conscious sedation respective of their patients. Myself: Every procedure has been done w/me consciously-sedated.

RF (radio frequency) is ablation procedure; the tip of a needle is heated to fry nerves, which, most generally, regenerate within (up to) approx. 18 months.

Isn't a nerve block the "testing" phase? to help better discern if someone is possibly a more ideal "patient candidate" for ESI?


Anyway, most of my "discomfort" following procedures has been related to positioning during procedures. The thing that I've found which helps immensely is asking for/having x-tra pillows used during procedures: one at my ankles, along with ones under my chest and stomach.

For me, ice afterward, also helps lessen nerve pain.

I also make sure to have a throw blanket and sun glasses (in case I'm chilled riding home).

Be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes that easily slip on/off, along with, i.e., sandals or some type of footwear not difficult to remove and put back on.