Kathi,

Thanks for your post. I agree with you on the facets. Of all the ones I've had done, those puppies hurt me the most. Like you, my facets are pretty inflamed so I know what you mean.

Thanks for the clarification on the SNI too.

Mac and Oliverjenniferm, I hope this helps you.

Also, Kathi perhaps you're thinking about when they cut the nerve? I know anytime they cut nerves it's badddddd....

Hey guys,

Yeah, when they sever the nerves it's permanent.

I've had RFA once and three lots of nerve root blocks (steroids and local anaesthetic). These are not permanent, as you say.

Not sure I fancy having the nerves cut..........but never say never if I'm desperate enough!!!

Can you [lease tell me how you know your facets are inflamed? I ask because the doc that tried to do mine tried 3 times and then put the neddle into my dura (PAIN) Could it be because of inflamation. Where can I read about inflamed facets? Thanks much.
Paininhead

I can't tell you where to read about inflamed nerves. When my pain doctor placed the needles in the facets, it hurts like *&$%. Each time he moves the needle, it hurts like @#$* again, and this happens each time he does it...until its done. Bear in mind that you need to go through diagnostic rounds, usually two, and see the results of those before they will consider doing RFA's to the facets. Then, they do it again and in my case, it hurts even more because the nerves are "inflamed" and not happy. Several things make the nerves angry, such as bulging discs, facet hypertrophy(I think??), degenerative changes, stenosis, etc....there is a site called spine universe or something that talks about spine stuff in detail. I'll try to find it and post a link.

I hope this makes some sense. In my case, chronic neck pain preceeded all of this with spontaneous muscle spasms and such in the neck. I've been told that when the nerves are irritated/inflamed, they cause all these problems which has led to ON, as I indicated in my previous post. I really do hope this makes sense

About ten years ago I have had some kind of blockade of Occipital Neuralgia, but didn't work. Doctor told to me, it will be good for one year. It wasn't good for one hour.

I don't believe very much in injections and blockades.

Bozena