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"Setting of expectations: that the injection might or might not work, and that another may be needed. The follow-up care has also been very helpful and is appreciated."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Very friendly and comforting during the procedure. Great experience in what could be a stressful environment."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The x-ray tech was very nice and of course Dr Safman was super."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 Safman and her team were extremely attentive and professional. They made every attempt to see that I was comfortable and at ease with the procedure. I have the utmost confidence in Dr Safman and her associates. Plus, they have a great sense of humor w ..."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Prompt response to any of my concerns."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"He was very nice & personable. The pain I was having is gone...."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"They took the time to explain what was going to happen. Also the follow up."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Every one I came in contact with at Dr Safman office was absolutely some of the best medical staff I ever encountered, can't say enough good things about them."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
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The exam was very caring, helpful and professional."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
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