Understanding Facet Joint Injections: A Relief Pathway for Chronic Back Pain
What Are Facet Joint Injections?
Facet joints are small joints located between each set of vertebrae in the spine, from the neck to the lower back. They allow the spine to bend and twist, and they help stabilize the spine while limiting excessive movement. Facet joint syndrome occurs when these joints become inflamed or arthritic, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Facet joint injections are a therapeutic treatment that involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic and a steroid anti-inflammatory directly into the facet joint. This procedure is not only diagnostic to confirm whether the facet joints are the source of pain but also therapeutic as it can alleviate the pain and inflammation in the area.
How Do Facet Joint Injections Work?
The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting, like our facilities at Palomar Spine and Pain. Here’s how it generally unfolds:
Preparation: The patient is placed in a comfortable position, usually lying face down. The area where the injection will be given is cleaned and sterilized.
Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray imaging), the physician guides a needle into the facet joint. This imaging technique ensures accuracy and maximizes the treatment's effectiveness.
Injection: A mixture of a steroid and anesthetic is injected into the joint, which decreases inflammation and numbs the pain. The entire process typically takes less than an hour.
Aftercare: Patients are monitored for a short period after the injection before being allowed to go home. Most individuals can resume their normal activities the next day.
Benefits of Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections offer several benefits:
Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant relief from back pain, which can last from a few days to several months, depending on the individual case.
Improved Mobility: Reduction in pain and inflammation can lead to greater flexibility and mobility.
Diagnostic Information: The immediate relief experienced can help confirm that the facet joint is the source of pain, guiding further treatment.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure is less invasive than surgery and has a quick recovery time.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After receiving a facet joint injection, patients may notice:
Immediate pain relief due to the local anesthetic.
A potential temporary increase in pain as the numbing agent wears off before the steroid takes effect.
Gradual decrease in pain and inflammation as the steroid starts to work over the following days.
Are Facet Joint Injections Right for You?
Facet joint injections may be a suitable treatment option for those suffering from chronic back pain where other conservative treatments have not been effective. Our team at Palomar Spine and Pain will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if this treatment is appropriate for your specific condition.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact our office directly. At Palomar Spine and Pain, we are committed to helping you regain your quality of life by managing pain effectively and safely.
If you're struggling with back pain and looking for relief, consider the potential benefits of facet joint injections. At Palomar Spine and Pain, we're here to help guide you through your options for pain management and provide the care you deserve.