Cervical Facet Injections
Now you probably are thinking, "Did I click on the wrong website?" "What is this technical medical title all about?" Brad went in a week ago for some injections into his neck. These are a result of the car accident from last year. His primary care doctor recommended this about 6 months ago, but the office that she referred us to did not get back to us after 3 weeks, so we ended up taking a longer route, involving seeing other specialists, and eventually getting connected with his doctor for the injections, Dr. Slack.
The whole thing became a little more nerve racking as it got closer. The idea of the unknown, what exactly was going to take place, the recovery and the ultimate question of will this fix his pain. Brad was the youngest person in the busy office that morning and several of the people commented that he was just a baby. I am hoping this will work towards his advantage and they were meaning it would be no problem for him. I had to remain at the office to take Brad home and he was given specific instructions for recovery, involving limited movement (i.e. no playing with kiddos), ice and some pain meds. Thankfully, my parents were able to help us out with the kids while we were at the office and then again while I was working (THANK YOU MOM AND JOHN!!!).
The procedure is delicate in that they go into his neck with a needle to the small pads which are located in between the spinal column bones. These are called Facets. They use an X-ray and Ultrasound as a guide. The doctor then injections a steroid into these areas to get rid of any inflammation there that is causing Brad his pain. We did not know before hand exactly how many injections they would need to do. Brad is awake during this, but under anesthesia which has an amnesia effect. They asked him during the procedure if certain areas hurt and injected accordingly. They ended up doing 6 injections (basically his whole left side of his neck). Here is a link for more detailed information if you are interested Cervical Facet Injections.
Here's the Ultrasound pictures where you can see the needle going in.
He was very sore the first few days following the procedure. Brad says he feels as though he has been in an accident all over again. :( It is a different kind of pain from before. But it has been gradually decreasing day by day. As we are at the week mark now, he is feeling pretty good. His pain has dropped significantly and he just had a check with his primary doctor who is very optimistic that he could be ending his physically therapy and regular doctors visits soon.
So for now we are optimistic that we are nearing an end to all this car accident madness! And a BIG thank you to those who have given support and prayers during all of this! We are so thankful for your love and support. :)
The whole thing became a little more nerve racking as it got closer. The idea of the unknown, what exactly was going to take place, the recovery and the ultimate question of will this fix his pain. Brad was the youngest person in the busy office that morning and several of the people commented that he was just a baby. I am hoping this will work towards his advantage and they were meaning it would be no problem for him. I had to remain at the office to take Brad home and he was given specific instructions for recovery, involving limited movement (i.e. no playing with kiddos), ice and some pain meds. Thankfully, my parents were able to help us out with the kids while we were at the office and then again while I was working (THANK YOU MOM AND JOHN!!!).
The procedure is delicate in that they go into his neck with a needle to the small pads which are located in between the spinal column bones. These are called Facets. They use an X-ray and Ultrasound as a guide. The doctor then injections a steroid into these areas to get rid of any inflammation there that is causing Brad his pain. We did not know before hand exactly how many injections they would need to do. Brad is awake during this, but under anesthesia which has an amnesia effect. They asked him during the procedure if certain areas hurt and injected accordingly. They ended up doing 6 injections (basically his whole left side of his neck). Here is a link for more detailed information if you are interested Cervical Facet Injections.
Here's the Ultrasound pictures where you can see the needle going in.
He was very sore the first few days following the procedure. Brad says he feels as though he has been in an accident all over again. :( It is a different kind of pain from before. But it has been gradually decreasing day by day. As we are at the week mark now, he is feeling pretty good. His pain has dropped significantly and he just had a check with his primary doctor who is very optimistic that he could be ending his physically therapy and regular doctors visits soon.
So for now we are optimistic that we are nearing an end to all this car accident madness! And a BIG thank you to those who have given support and prayers during all of this! We are so thankful for your love and support. :)
Comments
We are still praying for you, Brad.
Love,
Mom and Dad