Question
I am scheduled to have facet tests done tis Thurs. the Spine center in Hagerstown Md. This is the latest in a series of tests,and therapies to determine the root of my pain due to a work related injury 4 months ago.I have hax-ray,MRI,CT scan,Epidiral steroid injections,and a Mylogram.The injections,and Mylogram were extemely painful.The pain doctor wants me on Fentinil patches,and Nuerontin,both of which are extremely addictive,and difficult to come off of so Iwont take them.I have a level 2 spondolesthesis of L-5/S-1 as well as significant stenosis causing pain in my back and legs. Can you tell me what exactly Facet testing is,and how painful it can be.Thank You.Stewart Soltroff

Answer
Hi Stewart,
Faet testing is a procedure to stimulate different articulations to illicit pain to locate the offending joint.
These rarely have good outcomes and are very risky. A better option is a non-invasive approach called flexion/distraction, it is 90% effective for this kind of injury. It also has been shown to resolve spinal stenosis,


Here is a link that describes the procedure.

http://www.coxtechnic.com/




Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin