Lumbar Back Pain- Multifidus pathology
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Neck or Cervical Pain
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Caudal Epidural
1:33
5. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
10. Interventional Pain Procedures
1:58
13. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Facet Joint Injection
1746879241
Facet joint injections are used to help diagnose and relieve pain that comes from the facet joints in your spine. These small joints are located at each level of your spine and help provide stability and help with movement. Sometimes, these joints can become painful because of arthritis or injury, leading to back or neck pain.
During the procedure, a mix of steroid medicine and anesthetic is injected directly into the facet joint. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief by numbing the area, while the steroid works to reduce inflammation and swelling in the joint to offer longer-lasting relief. The procedure is guided by imaging techniques like X-ray or CT scan to ensure precise delivery to the target area.
Facet joint injections can help relieve symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, and pain that radiates to the shoulders or arms. They may also help with stiffness and reduce the feeling of having a "locked" spine.
Alternatives to this procedure might include physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling, or radiofrequency ablation, which involves using heat to reduce nerve pain.
There are some risks with the procedure, though they are rare. These include infection, nerve damage, bleeding, or an allergic reaction to the injected substances. Most people can resume normal activities the next day, but it's best to avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
Overall, facet joint injections are a minimally invasive way to manage pain and help determine the source of your spinal discomfort. Our team is here to help guide you throughout whether its the diagnostic or the treatment step in your medical journey.
FAQs
How does a facet joint injection procedure work?
During a facet joint injection, the patient is positioned appropriately, often lying face-down for lower back injections. Using imaging guidance such as X-ray or CT scan, the medical team accurately inserts a needle into the targeted facet joint, injecting the medication. The anesthetic offers immediate relief by numbing the area, while the steroid assists in reducing inflammation, providing longer-term pain relief.
What are the alternatives to facet joint injections?
Alternatives to facet joint injections include physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve mobility, anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain, and radiofrequency ablation—a procedure that uses heat to disrupt pain signals by targeting nerves near the facet joints.
What are the potential risks and side effects of facet joint injections?
While facet joint injections are generally safe, they do carry some risks, though these are rare. Potential complications include infection, nerve damage, bleeding, or allergic reactions to the injected substances. Patients may experience temporary pain aggravation or soreness following the procedure.
What can I expect in terms of recovery after a facet joint injection?
Most individuals can resume their normal activities the day after the procedure, though strenuous activities should be avoided for a few days. Immediate pain relief from the anesthetic can last 48 hours, while therapeutic effects from the steroid may endure for weeks to months. Some patients may require repeat injections every couple of months for sustained relief.
What is a facet joint injection and what does it treat?
A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to alleviate pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. This procedure involves injecting a mixture of steroid medication and anesthetic directly into the facet joint to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. It's especially effective for treating neck pain, back pain, and pain radiating to the shoulders or arms due to arthritis or injury.