When we age or get injured, our joints undergo significant wear and tear. If you suffer from any of the issues below and physical therapy has not provided enough pain relief, facet joint injections may be a good choice:
Read on below for more information about this minimally invasive pain relief procedure, or contact us now to schedule a consultation.
Facet joints are the small joints along your spine that are responsible for flexibility and stability. When the facet joints are healthy, you will be able move without restriction. However, when these joints become inflamed or experience loss of cartilage, pain will ensue. This can be a result of arthritis, injury, pressure, or aging.
The primary goal of facet joint injections is to reduce and manage pain. This is done by injecting a mix of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the facet joint. If the injection is successful, the patient should experience increased mobility and a reduction in back pain/neck pain.
A secondary benefit of facet joint injections is diagnostic eliminations. Some patients may not experience a decrease in joint pain after the injections. If this is the case, it is unlikely the problem is stemming from the facet joints, and the patient should consult their doctor post-procedure to discuss the next steps for treatment.
The facet joint injection procedure typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of injections needed. Patients may feel some numbness or weakness in their back immediately following the procedure. A doctor may require the patient to rest in-office for a few minutes and avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours; otherwise, there is no recovery time. In the following days, after the numbing medicine wears off but before the cortisone kicks in, patients may experience some discomfort. Ice packs can provide pain relief during this period.
This non-surgical procedure is typically performed in just half an hour. Here’s what to expect from your facet joint injection appointment.
Note: Southside Pain Specialists is a referral-only pain clinic. To schedule an appointment, you must first obtain a physician referral. Make sure to discuss all current medications with your provider before pursuing pain treatment.
By following the standards outlined by the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, the American Board of Pain Medicine, and the Spine Intervention Society, Southside Pain Specialists offers quality evidence-based and cost-effective pain treatment.
We invite you to connect with Birmingham’s leading physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors. To learn more about the pain management treatment options and resources available, schedule a consultation with our Birmingham pain clinic today.
Please contact us online or by phone at (205) 900-3927.