What Are Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections are a medical treatment used primarily to relieve pain originating from the facet joints. These joints are small, stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae in the spine. They help guide and restrict movement to ensure the spine maintains its proper alignment and function. Over time, or due to injury or degenerative conditions, these joints can become a source of chronic pain.
Facet joint injections typically involve the following:
- Anesthetic and Steroid Injection: A mixture of a local anesthetic (to numb the pain) and a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation) is injected directly into the facet joint.
- Fluoroscopic Guidance: The injection is usually performed using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to ensure accurate placement of the needle.
- Diagnosis and Pain Relief: The procedure can serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. If pain relief is achieved, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of pain. The steroid component helps reduce inflammation and provides longer-term pain relief.
Facet joint injections offer a minimally invasive option to manage and diagnose spine-related pain, particularly for those suffering from chronic back or neck discomfort due to degenerative or inflammatory conditions.
Key Issues Facet Joint Injections Solve
- Chronic Back and Neck Pain
- Pain Due to Osteoarthritis
- Improving Mobility
- Diagnosing the Source of Pain
- Avoiding or Delaying Surgery
- Sciatica Relief
- Reduction in Muscle Spasms
- Improving Posture and Alignment
- Prevention of Nerve Damage
- Assisting in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Some additional text here
What Causes Facet Joint Pain?
Facet joint pain can be caused by several factors, including:
Over time, the cartilage inside the facet joint can wear down due to age, leading to inflammation and pain. This process is similar to arthritis.
Acute injuries from falls, sports, or car accidents can damage the facet joints, causing inflammation and pain.
Activities that involve repetitive motion or heavy lifting can strain the facet joints, leading to wear and tear over time.
Incorrect posture or improper lifting techniques can place additional stress on the facet joints, resulting in pain.
Conditions such as spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae) or scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can alter the alignment of the spine and place extra pressure on the facet joints.
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can also lead to inflammation of the facet joints.