Back stiffness after injections?

suzygirl
suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
edited 19. Feb 2013, 10:49 in Living with Arthritis archive
A quick question for those of you who have had facet joint injections or suffer with arthritis in spine. How bad is your stiffness? I am almost bent double for a couple of hours in the morning and it is driving me mad. It is so painful. The leg pain is worse and I am wondering why.

Is it because the injections made things worse? Or is it that the effects of the injections have worn off? I am flaring at the moment and have an emergency rheumy appt tomorrow. However my back is considered as OA and not inflammatory therefore irrelevant.

Is it just one of those things I have to get used to? I do have a pain clinic appt next month and will mention it. Just wondered how anyone else find this?

Comments

  • 19smp59
    19smp59 Member Posts: 105
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there,

    I had facet joint injections a few years ago and they certainly didn't cause any stiffness and I wasn't told that could be a side effect. I was told that pain could increase for a short while after the injections, although this didn't happen to me. If your back is stiff for so long perhaps some physio would be helpful.

    Suzanne
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    I've not had facet injections....I've had root nerve injections in my back ...no side effects....but they didnt help :?
    I'm having more root nerve injections in a few weeks time but in a different place in my back.
    After that...if that doesnt work...its facet injections.
    My back is curved but thats because I have scoliosis as well as arthritis

    Love
    Hileena
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've had none so can't help at all except to say you're an old hand at this, Suzygirl. You know the score. If in doubt, check it out. Having said that, I hope things might be a bit better today.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Suzy
    I have had facet joint injection and they didnt cause ant stiffness, they didnt help me much.. but I know many that have them and get great relief.
    I do have the awful pain and stiffness...so I understand what you are going through...I use my beloved wheat bags on my back and neck...the heat really helps.
    Hope you get some relief very soon xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks, I will get it checked at my next appt. Its just a nuisance really. I wonder if it is my back or my hips? I know others have this dilemma.