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"Very positive experience, she even remembered me from several years ago."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The professional care done with a sense of warmth and humor."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"She communicated with me throughout the procedure."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Dr Safman and team care about you. I do not feel like I am just a number to them. I have a lot of Faith in them and love them for caring."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Amazing and very professional. Explained everything that was happening as well as made me feel comfortable."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
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