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A facet joint injection is a treatment used to help ease pain in the spine, especially in the neck or lower back. Facet joints are located between the vertebrae, aiding in mobility and flexibility. When these joints become inflamed or painful, facet injections can help. This is a straightforward, minimally invasive option that may provide relief from chronic back or neck pain, improving mobility.
Facet joint injections are a common treatment option for managing chronic spinal pain. They provide a minimally invasive method to address specific areas of pain and inflammation. By targeting the source with medication, these injections can provide relief and significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
A lumbar facet injection is a procedure that targets the small joints in the lower back which can become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or wear and tear.This procedure delivers a blend of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs straight into the joint, helping to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It’s often used to treat chronic lower back pain, especially when movement aggravates the condition.
A cervical facet injection targets the small joints in the neck that can become inflamed from conditions such as arthritis, injury, or normal wear and tear. Neck facet injections deliver a blend of anesthetic and steroid directly into the facet joints, aiming to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It’s commonly used to treat chronic neck pain, headaches, or discomfort that radiates to the shoulders and arms.
A back facet injection targets pain that stems from the facet joints in the spine. These joints may become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or wear and tear, leading to notable discomfort. The spinal facet injections deliver a combination of anesthetic for immediate pain relief and a steroid to reduce inflammation. This treatment is minimally invasive and commonly used for chronic back pain, especially when pain worsens with movement.
A thoracic facet injection targets the facet joints in the upper and mid-back (thoracic spine).
These joints can become inflamed from conditions like arthritis, injury, or normal degeneration, resulting in discomfort in the middle back area. The injection contains a local anesthetic for immediate pain relief and a steroid to reduce inflammation. This procedure is commonly used for treating chronic thoracic back pain, especially when pain worsens with movement.
Facet joint injections involve administering a mix of local anesthetic and steroid medication directly into the small joints between the vertebrae. These joints, called facet joints, help support movement in your spine but can become inflamed due to injury, arthritis, or other conditions, leading to pain.
The anesthetic provides quick relief by numbing the area, while the steroid reduces inflammation for longer-lasting effects. Such a highly targeted facet joint pain treatment addresses the source of the pain directly in the joint. The relief can last for weeks or months, helping patients move more easily and reduce discomfort without surgery.
Here’s how a typical facet injection procedure works:
You’ll lie on your stomach or back, depending on the area being treated.
The doctor cleans the injection site and applies a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Using X-ray guidance, the doctor precisely locates the facet joint.
A small facet joint injection needle is inserted into the joint, and the facet steroid injection is administered, containing a mix of anesthetic for immediate relief and a steroid to reduce inflammation.
The entire procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes.
Following the injection, a brief observation period is required before you can be discharged and head home.
This minimally invasive procedure offers a simple and effective way to manage joint pain. It also has minimal downtime, so you can return to your daily activities the same day.
Here are the benefits of facet joint injections:
These joint injections are simple yet very effective in treating chronic pain.
Facet joint injections can work well alongside other therapies like physical therapy and medication. After receiving a facet shot, physical therapy can improve recovery by helping you strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, which supports long-term pain relief. Additionally, pain medications may be used to complement the effects of the injection.
However, some treatments should be avoided right after facet joint injections, such as other steroid injections, as they could increase the risk of side effects. Also, blood thinners may need to be paused before your injection, as they could increase the risk of bleeding at the injection site. Always consult your doctor for the best combination of treatments.
Potential side effects of facet joint injections may include:
These side effects are usually minor and go away on their own. It’s important to follow post-procedure guidelines (if any were given) to minimize the risks. Always discuss potential side effects with your doctor before proceeding with the injection.
Are you in need of expert facet injections in Chicago? At Painless Medical Practice, led by Dr. Jaroslav Tymouch, we offer fully personalized care for managing chronic pain. Our pain management clinic provides a range of wide treatments, including epidural, facet injections and bilateral facet injections, targeting pain in the neck and spine.
Whether you need relief from arthritis or injuries, our facet procedure is crafted to fit your specific needs. Dr. Tymouch uses advanced techniques like facet injections in the neck and other areas, providing effective and long-lasting results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and make a first step towards pain-free life!
A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain caused by inflammation or irritation in the small joints of the spine, known as facet joints. The injection typically includes a local anesthetic and a steroid to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Relief from a facet joint injection may be felt immediately if a local anesthetic is used, though the full effect from the steroid may take a few days to develop, typically between 3 to 7 days.
Facet joint injections are commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and other spinal conditions that cause chronic back or neck pain related to the facet joints.
The procedure is generally well-tolerated. You may feel slight discomfort during the injection, but a local anesthetic is typically used to minimize any pain during the procedure.
The duration of pain relief varies by individual. Some patients experience relief for weeks or months, while others may benefit from longer-lasting results, depending on the underlying condition and the response to the injection.
The cost of a facet joint injection can vary depending on factors such as location, the specific healthcare provider, and insurance coverage. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider or clinic to get an estimate based on your individual case.
• Arthritis
• Back and Neck Pain
• Knees, Hips and Other Joints Pain
• Muscle Pain
• Headaches
• Shingles
• Post-Surgical Pain
• Neuropathic Pain
• Sciatica
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
