Horseback Rider
Well-Known Member
.....If you have how long did you leave it until riding again ?
Has anyone had facet joint injections in their back.....
- Thread starter Horseback Rider
- Start date
Rhandir
Well-Known Member
yes, had them some years ago. When I had the first one I was told to take it easy for a few days to let the injections take effect, of course I felt great when I got home so took the dogs for a nice long walk .... biiiig mistake, I was sore, very sore.
After having subsequent sessions I did as I was told and everything was fine and dandy. So basically, give it three or four days and you should be fine. However ... you obviously have a problem which is causing you pain, hence the injections. They are not a cure, they only stop it hurting (and they don't work for everyone) so don't do any more than you did before, lumping bags of feed/bales of hay around is not a great idea.
After having subsequent sessions I did as I was told and everything was fine and dandy. So basically, give it three or four days and you should be fine. However ... you obviously have a problem which is causing you pain, hence the injections. They are not a cure, they only stop it hurting (and they don't work for everyone) so don't do any more than you did before, lumping bags of feed/bales of hay around is not a great idea.
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I turned down having some in my neck. Too risky IMO. There are some nasty potential side effects they don't tell you about. The results can also be very short term.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
Not sure if it is the same thing but I had the caudrual epidural (not sure about spelling) for a disc problem. I must admit I was very cautious as the disc problem had been so painful. I did nothing for about 3 days after then didn't ride for about 3 weeks - hadn't been riding for four months because of the pain anyway. First ride back was about 10 minutes to make sure I could manage and then second ride was straight into a competition but with someone else having worked the horse for me (and I could then reap their work over the previous four months when they had been riding him!).
Horseback Rider
Well-Known Member
Thanks All. I had them done for the 4th time in 3 yrs on Tuesday. The first 2 worked for me, the third didn't seem to but they don't seem to think that they got them in the right place.
I could have an operation but it the odds are only 50/50 that there will be any improvement so my doctor isn't inclined to go ahead and I would be out of the saddle for a lot longer !!!
It does make me chuckle that I have ridden for over 20 yrs and used to work in a yard full time and never had any problem with my back, it started about 18 months after I took my first office job although I had been born with the problem but never had an issue up until now!
Normally I wouldn't be to bothered about riding straight away but I have started competing my horse for the first time so am keen to keep on going !
I could have an operation but it the odds are only 50/50 that there will be any improvement so my doctor isn't inclined to go ahead and I would be out of the saddle for a lot longer !!!
It does make me chuckle that I have ridden for over 20 yrs and used to work in a yard full time and never had any problem with my back, it started about 18 months after I took my first office job although I had been born with the problem but never had an issue up until now!
Normally I wouldn't be to bothered about riding straight away but I have started competing my horse for the first time so am keen to keep on going !
I love my Spanish horse
Well-Known Member
Ive had them done twice now, once before and once after having a total disc replacement at L5/S1. The post op injections have helped slightly, certainly more than previously but tbh given the pain of the procedure itself and fairly minimal improvement i wouldnt be in a rush to have them again.
Cant remember what i was advised by consultant but think i was back doing most things after a few days, and riding no more than a week later, although for some people it could be longer as i wasnt that sore after having them. Hope this helps.
Cant remember what i was advised by consultant but think i was back doing most things after a few days, and riding no more than a week later, although for some people it could be longer as i wasnt that sore after having them. Hope this helps.
RutlandH2O
Well-Known Member
I've had many, many over the last 12 years. I had 3 this year. I haven't ridden since 1997, which doesn't bother me at all. I have Shires, and while many are ridden throughout the world, mine aren't. The promise of living a pain-free life far outweighs the need for me to ride.
I assume you've had MRI scans.
Are your injections X-ray assisted? It would be very difficult for the practitioner to find the correct facet without X-ray assistance.
Take it easy for 3 or 4 days...no lifting heavy objects (hay/straw bales, water buckets). If it is at all possible, don't stay on your feet all day. Give yourself a break. The injections can work wonders. Don't sabotage the procedure by doing too much too soon.
Good luck.
I assume you've had MRI scans.
Are your injections X-ray assisted? It would be very difficult for the practitioner to find the correct facet without X-ray assistance.
Take it easy for 3 or 4 days...no lifting heavy objects (hay/straw bales, water buckets). If it is at all possible, don't stay on your feet all day. Give yourself a break. The injections can work wonders. Don't sabotage the procedure by doing too much too soon.
Good luck.
loopylucifer
Well-Known Member
I have no idea about in people but my horse has had them. she had to have a few days off then back to normal
BeesKnees
Well-Known Member
Yes I've had 3 lots, but all since I gave up riding due to the pain.
In general however, you need to take it easy for a week, to allow them to settle. They can make it all feel sore to start with (mind you I have 6 at a time).
With my 2nd lot they only lasted for 2 weeks because I had a heavy workload. So it is really worth giving them a chance by taking it easy and avoiding anything that loads the facet joints. That is extension of the vertebrae, so if they are in your lumbar spine that would be anything where you are on your feet, bending back, and yes riding - the movement of the lumbar spine is repeatedly flexion into extension as you follow the movement, even in walk (I manage a physio practice and am a Pilates instructor!).
In general however, you need to take it easy for a week, to allow them to settle. They can make it all feel sore to start with (mind you I have 6 at a time).
With my 2nd lot they only lasted for 2 weeks because I had a heavy workload. So it is really worth giving them a chance by taking it easy and avoiding anything that loads the facet joints. That is extension of the vertebrae, so if they are in your lumbar spine that would be anything where you are on your feet, bending back, and yes riding - the movement of the lumbar spine is repeatedly flexion into extension as you follow the movement, even in walk (I manage a physio practice and am a Pilates instructor!).