Abstract | BACKGROUND: The prevalence of persistent low back pain with the involvement of lumbar facet or zygapophysial joints has been described in controlled studies as varying from 15% to 45% based on the criteria of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Therapeutic interventions utilized in managing chronic low back pain of facet joint origin include intraarticular injections, medial branch nerve blocks, and neurolysis of medial branch nerves. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical effectiveness of therapeutic lumbar facet joint nerve blocks in managing chronic low back pain of facet joint origin. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. SETTING: METHODS: OUTCOME MEASURES: Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scale, the Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI), employment status, and opioid intake. RESULTS: Significant improvement in pain and functional status were observed at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, compared to baseline measurements. The average number of treatments for 1 year was 3.7 with no significant differences among the groups. Duration of average pain relief with each procedure was 14.8 +/- 7.9 weeks in the non- steroid group, and 12.5 +/- 3.3 weeks in the steroid group, with no significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | Laxmaiah Manchikanti, Kavita N Manchikanti, Rajeev Manchukonda, Kimberly A Cash, Kim S Damron, Vidyasagar Pampati, Carla D McManus |
Journal | Pain physician
(Pain Physician)
Vol. 10
Issue 3
Pg. 425-40
(May 2007)
ISSN: 1533-3159 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17525777
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Anesthetics, Local
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Drug Combinations
- Plant Extracts
- Steroids
- Sarapin
- Bupivacaine
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Topics |
- Activities of Daily Living
- Adult
- Aged
- Anesthetics, Local
(administration & dosage)
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Bupivacaine
(administration & dosage)
- Disability Evaluation
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Combinations
- Female
- Humans
- Low Back Pain
(physiopathology, therapy)
- Lumbar Vertebrae
(drug effects, physiopathology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nerve Block
(methods, statistics & numerical data, trends)
- Pain Measurement
- Patient Satisfaction
- Plant Extracts
(administration & dosage)
- Prospective Studies
- Steroids
(administration & dosage)
- Treatment Outcome
- Zygapophyseal Joint
(drug effects, physiopathology)
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