Great staff and very experienced Dr. I had a great experience.
- Amir Sultan
not image of actual patient
Are Facet Joint Injections for me?
A facet joint injection is performed under local anesthesia. Our doctor will use fluoroscopy as a visual aid to ensure the greatest accuracy possible. Anesthetic is initially injected into the joint or nerve branch to determine whether deadening this area actually makes your pain go away. If it is successful, then we've located the exact source of your symptoms. We can then inject a corticosteroid into that area for 3 to 6 months of relief.
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While we're administering the corticosteroid, we may also perform another procedure called radiofrequency neurotomy. This procedure involves the installation of radiofrequency needles which deaden the nerve for even more profound relief than drugs alone might provide.
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Facet joint injections come with their own set of considerations. You shouldn't drive or exert yourself for 24 hours following the procedure. Possible side effects include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, pain at the injection site, and allergic reactions. These are rare and many measures are taken to prevent any of these complications.
Conditions it treats
Facet joint injections focus on the joints that connect and articulate the vertebrae. The needle may penetrate the facet joint itself, or it may penetrate a medial nerve branch that routes nerve signals from a particular facet joint. Facet joint injections are administered to help diagnose:
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A form of chronic inflammation called facet joint syndrome
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Arthritis of the facet joints
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Neck pain
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Mid Back or Lower Back pain
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Pain and other neurological symptoms in an arm or leg
