Facet Joint Injections | Pain and Spine Specialists

Your spine is composed of moveable vertebrae, all connected. These vertebrae contain joints that allow for safe motion. These spinal joints are called facet joints. Each facet joint operates as a hinge, allowing for flexibility in the spine and making bending and twisting easier. Facet joints are also surrounded by connective tissue and cartilage, allowing movement to be fluid. Healthy facet joints move back and forth, protecting the spine against being overextended and injured.

If the facet joint becomes swollen from injury or inflammation, it can cause severe pain symptoms felt through the spinal column and the body. For example, if there is swelling in a facet joint in the neck, the individual may suffer from painful headaches and feel restricted in their head movements. Facet joint inflammation in the back may cause lower back pain or pain in the buttocks and thighs.

Common symptoms of facet joint pain include:

-Swelling in the facet joints
-Difficulty turning their neck
-Stiffness in the spine or neck
-Hunched over walking
-Difficulty standing

Depending on the specific facet joint that is affected will determine the type of symptoms an individual will develop. If facet joints become too enlarged or inflamed, they may block the nerve roots that flow from the joints, causing a pinched nerve effect.

It is critical for anyone potentially suffering from facet joint pain to be evaluated by a medical professional or a pain management specialist. At Pain and Spine Specialists, our providers can accurately determine the source of your pain and develop an effective treatment plan. One successful treatment approach our experts use to relieve back pain is facet pain injections.

Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive treatment used to diagnose and reduce facet joint pain. This non-surgical treatment targets specific areas of your body, delivering pain relief directly where you need it the most.

These facet nerve block injections are strategically administered into the facet joints, which are small joints at each segment of the spine that provide stability and guide motion. The facet joint nerve block injection contains a mixture of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medication. The anesthetic works to numb the area, providing immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid helps to reduce inflammation within the joint, offering longer-term relief. This two-pronged approach ensures both immediate and sustained pain alleviation.

Although facet joint block injections can benefit all individuals, they are most often recommended for middle-aged and older adults. As we age, our bodies naturally experience wear and tear, particularly in the joints, making this group more susceptible to chronic pain.

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