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Treatments
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections are a common procedure used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae in the spine that provide stability and allow for movement. When these joints become inflamed or irritated, they can cause localized pain, typically in the neck, mid-back, or lower back.
The facet joints, found on both sides of the back of the spine, can become painfully irritated or inflamed. A facet joint injection may help diagnose the source of a patient’s pain. It can also relieve pain and inflammation.
Here’s how facet joint injections are 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.
Can be used both diagnostically and therapeutically
Facet joint injections can be used both diagnostically and therapeutically:
Diagnostic: If the patient experiences significant pain relief following the injection, it confirms that the facet joint(s) targeted by the injection are the source of their pain. This can help guide further treatment decisions.
Therapeutic: In addition to providing diagnostic information, facet joint injections can also provide temporary pain relief. Depending on the patient’s response, additional injections or other treatments may be recommended to provide longer-lasting pain relief.
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