Advanced Pain Medical Group provides facet joint injections at eight locations in Los Angeles, Kern, and Ventura counties. If facet joint inflammation is behind your chronic back pain, sore neck, or headaches, we may be able to help. Read on to learn what this procedure involves and why it can provide effective relief.
What Are Intraarticular Facet Joint Injections?
Facet joints are located between the vertebral bones in the spine. They help stabilize the spine and control its movements. Unfortunately, when these joints become inflamed, debilitating neck and back pain can result. Injecting them with an anesthetic and a corticosteroid can often reduce or eliminate suffering caused by many common conditions.
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Whiplash
- Herniated Disc
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Spondylolisthesis
- Post-Operative Pain (After Spinal Surgery)
Fast Relief From Chronic Pain
The procedure works by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the facet joints to the brain, providing temporary pain relief. The anesthetic used in the injection numbs the area, while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation and provides long-lasting pain relief.
Most people do not find this outpatient procedure to be painful. You may experience discomfort during the injection, but this is typically minimal.
Safe & Effective Spinal Pain & Headache Treatment
Facet joint injections are a fairly safe option for managing certain types of spinal pain and related headaches. They provide quick pain relief for many people. However, these procedures are temporary solutions and may need to be repeated periodically to maintain effectiveness.
What To Expect During Your Procedure
First, you will remove any clothing or jewelry that may interfere with the injection before lying face down on the exam table. Your doctor or nurse will clean the injection site(s) with an antiseptic solution. You may receive a local anesthetic to numb the skin over the injection site and help to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
The doctor will use a needle to inject a mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the facet joint. The whole process only takes 5-15 minutes!
Get Back On Your Feet Quickly
After the procedure, you will lie still for a few minutes to allow the medication to spread evenly in the joint. You may experience temporary numbness or tingling, which should go away within a few hours.
Most patients can resume everyday activities very soon after the procedure. However, individual experiences may vary; some patients could experience more discomfort than others.
The Pros & Cons Of Facet Joint Injections
Pros
- Offer Quick Pain Relief
- Non-Invasive Compared To Surgery
- Can Be A Diagnostic Tool For Doctors
Cons
- Temporary Only
- Some Side Effects
- Risk Of Infection
- Not Effective For Everyone
Solutions For Chronic Back & Neck Pain
If you live in Los Angeles, Kern, or Ventura and are suffering from pain in your lumbar, thoracic, or cervical joints, don’t wait any longer to seek relief. Schedule a consultation with one of our trusted doctors at Advanced Pain Medical Group to learn whether facet joint injections are right for you. Take action today and start your journey towards a pain-free tomorrow.