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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Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"He and team really listened."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Very positive experience, she even remembered me from several years ago."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Dr and his team always listen and remember me and my various problems ...I don't feel like a stranger"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"I felt like the entire team was very caring."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"It's clear to me that Dr. Charlu is extremely good at what he does, and truly cares for me. The team is always upbeat, kind, anxious, and able to help me."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu 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"Friendly and informative team and great results."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
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