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"They were friendly, efficient and caring. The whole practice is better than I've ever experienced"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Friendly and informative team and great results."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"He seemed hopeful about the outcome"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"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"They were professional and friendly."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Actual procedure was well handled"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Dr. Safman and her staff are highly professional in their manner yet are also personable and calming. Her high level of expertise is evident during each procedure she has performed on me."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"Everyone was very kind and considerate very helpful"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
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