What are Facet Joint Injections:
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce pain in the small joints located between the vertebrae in your spine. These joints, called facet joints, can become inflamed due to conditions like arthritis, leading to chronic neck or back pain. The injection delivers a combination of a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) directly into the joint.
The local anesthetic in the injection temporarily numbs the pain, while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation over time, providing longer-lasting relief. This targeted approach addresses the source of pain at the joint level and can reduce or even eliminate the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce pain in the small joints located between the vertebrae in your spine. These joints, called facet joints, can become inflamed due to conditions like arthritis, leading to chronic neck or back pain. The injection delivers a combination of a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) directly into the joint.
The local anesthetic in the injection temporarily numbs the pain, while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation over time, providing longer-lasting relief. This targeted approach addresses the source of pain at the joint level and can reduce or even eliminate the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.
Candidates Facet Joint Injections:
Candidates typically are patients with facet joint syndrome. Facet joint syndrome typically presents as localized back pain, often worsening with movement or prolonged standing, and can radiate to the buttocks or thighs. Patients may also experience stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected area.
Here is a list of disease processes that are common candidates for facet joint injections:
- Facet Joint Arthritis (Facet Arthropathy): Degeneration of the facet joints due to aging or wear and tear, leading to chronic neck or back pain.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Changes in the discs between vertebrae can lead to facet joint inflammation, causing pain.
- Spinal Osteoarthritis: Breakdown of cartilage in the spine’s joints, causing pain and stiffness in the back or neck.
- Spondylosis: A general term for age-related degeneration of the spine, often involving facet joints.
- Whiplash Injuries: Sudden impact or trauma, particularly from car accidents, can inflame the facet joints.
- Post-Surgical Pain: Persistent pain after spinal surgery may involve the facet joints.
- Facet Joint Syndrome: A condition where the facet joints themselves become a primary source of pain, usually due to repetitive stress or injury.
What to Expect During Your Facet Joint Injection
- Preparation: When you arrive for your procedure, you’ll be asked to lie down comfortably. The area of your back where the injection will be given will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. This numbing helps ensure that you feel as little discomfort as possible.
- Imaging Guidance: To make sure the injection is placed in the correct spot, your doctor will use a special X-ray or ultrasound machine. This allows them to see the exact location of your facet joints, ensuring precision and safety.
- The Injection: Once the area is ready, your doctor will gently guide a thin needle into the facet joint. You may feel some pressure, but the numbing medicine will keep you comfortable. The injection will contain a mixture of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, and the corticosteroid reduces inflammation for longer-lasting relief.
- After the Injection: After the injection, you’ll rest for a short time while we monitor how you’re feeling. Most patients can go home within an hour and resume normal activities by the next day. You might feel some temporary soreness at the injection site, but this usually goes away quickly.
- Results: You may notice some pain relief immediately due to the local anesthetic, but the full effects of the corticosteroid may take a few days to a week. Many patients experience significant relief, allowing them to move more comfortably and participate in physical therapy if needed.