Re: facet joint blocks

It sounds like you are a really good candidate for the radio frequency. I was considering this procedure, but the cortisone injections did not significantly block my pain so I did not do it. If the cortisone shots block your pain, you can expect to have the same amount of relief from the radiofrequency. In a way you are lucky! they have found the source of your pain, unlike me who no matter how many of those nerve blocks I get, they don't provide me with significant relief. (I've had 5 so far, at different locations)I know a couple of lucky people who had radiofrequency, and they are pretty much pain free now. the way it was described to me, the nerves that they destroy are only there to transmit pain. They don't ennervate major muscles, and they wont prevent you from furthur injuring yourself. So IMO, who needs them? If they could only find my nerves causing me pain, I would have them burn those mothers right off. I wouldn't be that afraid of the procedure either. It supposedly does not hurt that much worse than the injections you have already had. Just takes a little longer. Recovery time is almost nothing. good luck!