Facet injections uses X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to direct a very small needle into the facet joint.

facet joint injectionsA facet joint injection is performed to treat neck and back pain in combination with other non-surgical spine treatments like rest, medications, chiropractic manipulations, and physical therapy.

Facet injections are prescribed for patients with pain caused by degenerative arthritic conditions or injury. The facet joints can become painful due to arthritis of the spine, a back injury or stress in the back.

Facet Joint Injections vs. Epidural Steroid Injections … What is the Difference?

If you’re suffering from chronic pain in your back, neck, buttock, hip, arm or leg, you’re probably researching every possible option for pain management in Orlando and Merritt Island.

Spinal injury, nerve problems, and degenerative conditions can you make your life miserable until you diagnose the underlying causes and deal with it.

Two kinds of injections can help with both of these objectives: epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections. What are the similarities and differences between these forms of pain management?

Find the explanation from your pain management doctor at Nona Medical, below.

Like epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections deliver pain-relieving medication (anesthetic and or steroids) to the spine.

The injection procedure, also called a facet block, can be used either to diagnose a spinal problem or to treat pain. The most important difference between the two techniques is the injection site.

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 medialĀ nerve branch that routes nerve signals from a particular facet joint.

Facet joint injections are administered to help find:

  • A form of chronic inflammation called facet joint syndrome
  • Arthritis of the facet joints
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Pain and other neurological symptoms in an arm or leg

A facet joint injection is performed under local anesthesia. Our pain management doctor, Dr. Gayles in Orlando 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. Then we can inject a corticosteroid into that area for 3 to 6 months of relief.