Facet Joint Injections
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections offer a minimally invasive way to both identify and ease pain originating from the small synovial joints that connect adjacent vertebrae. These facet joints, located on the back of the spine in pairs, guide and stabilize movement; when they become inflamed or irritated, they can trigger sharply localized discomfort in the neck, mid-back, or lower back regions.
During the procedure, a physician injects a blend of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the suspect joint under image guidance. If the patient experiences significant relief almost immediately, it confirms that the targeted facet joint is the source of their pain.
Beyond its diagnostic value, the injection itself often reduces inflammation and provides lasting symptom control, helping patients resume physical therapy and daily activities with less reliance on oral pain medications.
Here’s an overview of how the procedure is typically performed:
Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient may be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie face down on an examination table. Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels may be monitored throughout the procedure.
Sterilization: The skin over the targeted area is cleaned and sterilized with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the skin and tissues around the injection site. This helps reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Needle insertion: Using fluoroscopic guidance (live X-ray imaging) or ultrasound, the healthcare provider inserts a thin needle into the facet joint or the area surrounding the facet joint.
Injection: Once the needle is correctly positioned, a mixture of local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid medication is injected into the facet joint or the surrounding area. The local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the steroid helps reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.
Assessment: After the injection, the patient is typically monitored for a short period to evaluate the response. If the patient experiences significant pain relief following the injection, it suggests that the facet joint(s) targeted by the injection are contributing to their pain.
