The Facet Joint connects the posterior elements of the spine and is prone
to degenerative changes. The facet joint carries up to 1/3 of the loading
force of the lumbar spine. Osteoarthritis of the joints leads to cartilage
fissures, fraying and erosions. Hereotopic Growth (bony spurs) leads to
instability and inflammation. Degeneration of the Facet Joints account
for approximately 10-15% of the cases with chronic low back pain.1
Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain Include:
Constant aching
Dull or sharp pain
Pain worsens with movement
Localized pain, but can refer pain to the hip or buttock area
The common types of nonsurgical treatments for facet joint pain are:
Lumbar Facet Block is procedure where medicine is injected directly into the joint.
Cervical FacetBlock is procedure where medicine is injected into the cervical facet joint.
Medial Branch Block is a procedure where the facet joints are "innervated" by sensory
nerves that come off the posterior aspect of the corresponding spinal
nerve. These small sensory nerves "dorsal ramus medial branches form
a lattice work sensation of the facet joints. Local anesthetic block of
the Medial Branch Block can temporarily interrupt the pain signal carried
to a specific facet joint.
Reference
1. Pope JE, Cheng J. Facet (Zygapophyseal) Intraarticular Joint Injections:
Cervical, Lumbar, and Thoracic. Injections for Back Pain. 129-135. ClinicalKey.com.
Accessed July 16, 2019.
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Related Testimonials
Interventional Procedure"Dr. Safman is caring and communicates well. The discomfort from the spinal injection is very minor. She makes it an easy procedure."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Professional, efficient, willingness to answers questions, great followup after procedure was done."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The description of the diagnostics were very well explain including the recommendations for the treatment."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Pain Management"Dr. Safman and her team sincerely care about helping you with your orthopedic needs. Dr. Safman's knowledge for care is more focused than anyone else I have had contact with over my years of orthopedic needs."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Pain Management"Dr. Ravski gave practical help and insight for pain and improvement. My experience with her was very positive."Provider: Emilia Ravski DO
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"I was able to get a quick appointment for my treatment. Very pleased!"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"I like the whole team. I feel very comfortable with them."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Every one was polite and service timely and so was follow up."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Amazing and very professional. Explained everything that was happening as well as made me feel comfortable."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Your daily concern with my condition is appreciated."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The epidurals went smoothly as I feel that I was well prepared for what was to take place. I appreciate the care that I was given."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
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