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"The entire experience was above and beyond, even the fun banter during the actual procedure. I really appreciate the post procedure follows! Thanks to the entire team, well done"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Actual procedure was well handled"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Very professional, created a peaceful environment and my pain treatment was effective."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"She listens to my needs and cares about my life. I would Highly recommend her to anyone else who needs pain management. She's Great"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Dr. Charlu, Darren & the office staff were competent and sensitive to my questions and my care."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Very useful and effective way to stay in contact with medical team and to get questions answered."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Pain Management"Lindsey listened to what I told her and helped me with my problems."Provider: Lindsay Charlu Baumhefner PA-C
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The care team is great. They do keep an eye on you if you are having a problem."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Explaining what he was going to do for procedure."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Everyone was very friendly & encouraging"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Professional, efficient, willingness to answers questions, great followup after procedure was done."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
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