Effectiveness of lumbar zygapophysial joint blockage for low back pain.

AIM Zygapophysial joints have been a well-recognized source of low back pain. This paper compares the efficacy of lumbar zygapophysial joints blockage and medical therapy in terms of pain relief, loss of working days and recurrence of pain in a population with mechanical low back pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS 80 patients suffering from low back pain were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients in Group I were given diclofenac sodium, thiocolchicoside and were recommended bed rest. Patients in Group II received zygapophysial joints blockage by prilocaine, bupivacaine and methylprednisolone acetate. Both of the groups were evaluated with a Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire and visual analog scale for pain. RESULTS Posttreatment VAS and ODQ scores were significantly lower than pretreatment scores. The decrease in these scores in Group II was greater than those of Group I. CONCLUSION Blockage of the lumbar facet joints is a rapid and effective way to reduce pain originating from lumbar facet joints.