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Facet Joint Pain

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 Facet Block 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 "Until last series of injections was very, very happy with results. I clearly overdid after last series and had very poor results. Need more information or warnings. Also need more information or other possible applications or use areas." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Entire staff is very friendly, professional and cares about my care." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Her individualized personal and professional care really helps." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Friendly and informative team and great results." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "He explained my condition well and educating me further. Also he and his team were very caring." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu 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 "The office seams to run so efficiently. I hardly waited at all. Everyone seems genuinely concerned for my comfort and about my recovery. Best doctor/doctor's office I have ever been to." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "He seemed hopeful about the outcome" Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Prompt response to any of my concerns." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Dr. Charlu and his team was very nice and considerate. Dr Charlu did a good job and I feel better." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "His knowledge, patience and he really seemed like he wanted to help me with my pain :)" Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
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