Patient with lower back pain treated with lumbar facet joint injections
Presentation of lower back pain
A 38 year old gentleman who worked extensively as a painter and decorator presented to the clinic. As a result of his job he spent a lot of time lifting and carrying, with his spine extended, especially when decorating ceilings. As a result of this he has had to cut back greatly on the amount of work that he did.
Examination findings in patient with facet joint tenderness and sacroiliac joint tenderness
On examination he had lumbar facet and sacroiliac joint tenderness on palpation, in particular in extension. He also had sciatica-like symptoms although these had significantly diminished. He was taking Diazepam, Diclofenac and Co-dydramol as required and had had an epidural in 1995, which gave him approximately 6 months of good quality pain relief.
Treatment with X-ray guided facet joint and sacroiliac joint injections
In the first instance, he had x ray guided facet joint and sacroiliac joint injections. He was seen 3 months later and his pain was found to be significantly improved. He had overall good benefit, although he had occasional twinges which responded well to simple non-steroidals. He was then discharged from the clinic.
