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"Actual procedure was well handled"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Partial relief of my symptoms. I'm able to sit now, still have to tolerate the symptoms but not as severe."Provider: Kimberly Safman 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"Everyone was friendly and showed concern for my problems. My questions were answered and my condition was monitored."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"I like the whole team. I feel very comfortable with them."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"I felt that everyone was very competent and professional and that I was in good hands."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"I like Dr Charlu. He really cares about his patients and tries to make us comfortable at time of injections."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The entire process was flawless. The doctor was great along with all the nurses in the pre-op and after op care! That's why I have no qualms about having to do this again."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Pain Management"Super caring, very knowledgeable, handles you with care."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
Pain Management"Dr. Safman provided a clear explanation of my back condition and provided valuable options on how to relieve my pain."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
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