Facet Joint Injections

For residents of Orlando looking for relief from their chronic neck and low back pain, facet joint injections may be an option. Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure that can provide long-lasting pain relief and improved quality of life. Fortunately, the expert team at Advanced Neurospine Associates offers professional, state-of-the-art services regarding this treatment in the Orlando area – making them one of the top specialists in performing facet joint injections. Let’s take a closer look at what these injections entail and how they can help alleviate pain.

What Are Facet Joints?

Facet joints are small joints found along the spine that provide stability and flexibility for people. These joints don’t contain any cartilage or nerves, but they still play an essential role in our day-to-day movements and activities. By connecting each vertebra of the spine to its neighbor, facet joints allow us to twist, bend and even hold ourselves upright with ease. This interconnectedness also gives us a full range of motion which is crucial in giving us balance while walking, running, or engaging in other physical activities. Without the protection, these joints offer, everyday activities such as bending over or sitting on the floor would be much more difficult.

What Are Facet Joint Injections and What Do They Treat?

Facet joint injections are a non-surgical intervention used to treat chronic neck and back pain caused by arthritic facet joints found in the spine. The injection contains an anesthetic such as lidocaine, or a steroid medication like cortisone, that is injected directly into the affected area. This both reduces inflammation and helps to block nerve fibers from transmitting pain signals associated with certain vertebral segments in the spine. Facet joint injections provide relief from chronic neck and back pain so patients can enjoy improved mobility and better quality of life.

How Are They Administered?

Facet injections are administered by one of our interventional pain specialists using fluoroscopic imaging guidance to ensure accuracy. The injection consists of a numbing agent and steroid, which can reduce inflammation, swelling, and muscle spasms. The patient typically begins to experience relief within minutes of the injection, with the effects lasting up to several weeks or even months. The patient must receive follow-up care after the procedure so they can be monitored for complications and determine whether additional treatments may be necessary to maintain symptom relief.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Facet Injections?

While facet joint injections have been recognized as an effective form of relief against neck and lower back pain, they do come with certain risks. Just like any other medical procedure, these injections can carry a small risk of infection. The injection itself can also cause tissue damage if it is not performed correctly. Additionally, the medication used for the injection can lead to increased sensitivity at the injection site which could cause further discomfort or swelling. Considering these risks, patients should be fully educated about their treatment options and talk to their healthcare providers about any concerns before undergoing a facet joint injection procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facet Joint Injection?

Facet joint injections can be a great tool for reducing chronic pain, and there are certain situations in which they are indicated. A good candidate for these injections is someone experiencing disabling back or neck pain that is associated with an identifiable source of pain in the facet joints. In addition, this individual should have tried other interventions, such as physical therapy or medications, without substantial relief. If a patient meets these criteria, then the clinician can discuss facet joint injections as a possible treatment option to reduce their pain.

Summary

Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with facet joint syndrome. The procedure involves the injection of steroids and/or local anesthetics into the patient’s facet joints. There are some risks associated with facet joint injections, but these are typically minor and temporary. Facet joint injections may not be suitable for everyone, so it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with one of our interventional pain medicine doctors before undergoing treatment.