As some of my readers will know I have regular facet joint injections for my low back pain which I find really beneficial. I have them every four months and it has been an important part of my pain management program for some time so I was really disappointed when I found out that due to the postcode I live it I could no longer have these injections.
My pain consultant was as frustrated as me but very sympathetic and encouraging that we would find something else that would help with the pain. He is also introducing me to another painkiller rather than Tramadol which will start in a small dose and then increase over a period of time until I feel the most benefit of it and also another injection with a steroid.
The differences in quality of a number of treatments on the NHS seems to be quite common now, but you tend to just read about it and hope it never happens to you.
My local area is basically saying that they will not fund chronic pain as facet joint injections are used mainly for this reason. Other postcodes in my County have said they will not fund facet joint injections but they are willing to look at specific cases if the consultant in charge feels you really need them. My pain consultant was hoping this would be the case for me but unfortunately, my County is not even willing to look at a specific case.
To say I am gutted is, to put it mildly, but I trust my consultant so much that I am not giving up hope that he will find some form of injection that will help with some of my chronic pain.
BACK PAIN BLOG UK... 
Tramadol is a strong painkiller.
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It’s taken me a while to get off the Tramadol Hutt but I feel better not being on it. Hoping the new one will help.:)
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Wow so relatable… I’ve just had a facet joint injection and 2 nerve blocks. But they were done privately. When I see my pain consultant again I’ll be asking her about this. Sorry to hear this is happening.
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Thanks andie – I looked at going down the private route but my insurance will only cover one set a year and I have them every four months. I am hoping the nerve blocks will help.
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