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What is the pain feeling difference between lumbar disc issues & lumbar facet issues

Posted , 2 users are following.

RA1944
RA1944

Can someone tell me from their experience what the usual differences are between pain feeling when you have lumbar disc issues & pain feeling when you have lumbar facet pain?

Are there any significant markers at all? I have looked on web in detail and i just keep finding contrasting information.

Have lumbar problems but no one seems to be able to work out if pain is from disc issues or facets.

Any advise appreciated.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • deborah46099
    deborah46099 RA1944

    Posted

    Not sure I understand what you are asking? Pain is pain. If you have an MRI the doctors should be able the see what is causing it, and if a surgery can correct it or not.
  • RA1944
    RA1944

    Posted

    Hi Deborah - Hi - I have facet arthropathy at L3-L4 L4-L5 L5-S1

    L4-L5 disc protrusion and DDD (Height loss and narrowing)

    L5-S1 disc prolapse (Larger) DDD (Height loss and narrowing) (Alot worse than above level)

    L5-S1 annular tear causing HIZ

    L5-S1 nerve irritation

    L5-S1 Flavum/Hypertrophy

    Modic change 2 on L5 endplate

    Dreadful expreince over last 2 years with NHS - they all tell me different things that are causing the pain and other things are insignificant and then another doctor will tell me the opposite. Hve passed me around numerous departments.

    I read that there is factors such as pain particulary in morning at night is a good indication of facet causing pain and then if extension hurts it is more likely to be disc - Those are just 2 random exmaples. Sorry if i do not make clear sense probably the crazy amount of meds I am on.

     

    • deborah46099
      deborah46099 RA1944

      Posted

      Hi, So sorry for all your pain and disk deterioration. Both my husband and myself are going through the same thing with the spine. Although we each have differend situations and the doctors here are doing the same thing with the different stories from each of them. It's hell trying to navigate through the medical system and get to the root of things. We are in our young 60's and live in Arizona,USA. We just forund a spine specialists in the PHX area that does minimal invasion laser surgery that should get us off the pills and feeling a little better for a few more years. We are just old people and the spine is degenerating. It's either endless pills with side effects or surgery and more surgery down the line.

      The best of wishes for you on your journey through this part of your life. Don't give up. If you have options to see as many doctors as possible till you feel you have found the right one.

    • RA1944
      RA1944 deborah46099

      Posted

      Thank you for your kind words. I am so desperate i have lost my career and 2 years of my life - I am only almost 30 :-( and use to be very fit and active. Now i can barely walk. I will just keep trying i guess to find a solution but NHS is a complete joke here in the UK

      Best wishes to you and your husband also and i hope you both find a solution as well.

    • deborah46099
      deborah46099 RA1944

      Posted

      So sorry you have these issues at such a young age, and that the health care is so bad in the UK. If Obama keeps up his BS we will be in the same situation soon enough. We can't wait for him to get out and fix our medical care.

      Do they give you an income when you are disabled in the UK? I sure hope so. My thoughts are with you too.

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