Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive outpatient procedure used to treat the chronic joint disease osteoarthritis. The facet joints, which move the spine and are covered in smooth cartilage, can become damaged and inflamed, causing nerve compression and bone-on-bone rubbing. An early diagnosis is key to effective treatment, and nonsurgical and minimally invasive options can provide symptom relief quickly. During the 15-30 minute procedure, a needle is guided into the affected joint and corticosteroid and anesthetic medications are injected. Patients can return home shortly after the procedure and resume normal activities the next day. If you are experiencing decreased range of motion, numbness, pain, swelling or weakness in your spine or extremities, it's important to seek an accurate diagnosis from a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine specialist. Don't delay, contact us today to make an appointment and start on the path to relief.
A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under oral sedation. The patient lies face down on a comfortable table with a special rest area for the head and neck. Procedure steps are:
The facet joints are very important because they move the spine. Like all joints, facet joints are covered in smooth cartilage that allows adjacent bones to move smoothly and easily. Osteoarthritis damages facet joint cartilage and causes inflammation and pain. Severe facet joint osteoarthritis can cause nerve compression and bone-on-bone rubbing. The key to effective facet joint osteoarthritis treatment is an early diagnosis. Nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatment options quickly decrease symptoms.
Only a very tiny needle mark is made during the quick 15-30 minute procedure. Symptom relief occurs very quickly, if not immediately.
Patients return home shortly after their procedure and can return to work and normal activities the day after.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that destroys joint soft tissue and cartilage. Vertebral osteoarthritis is especially problematic because the spine is the body’s main support structure. Vertebral osteoarthritis occurs in the facet joints and may cause:
These symptoms may be experienced in the spine and/or extremities. Receiving an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward symptom relief. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine specialists are facet joint osteoarthritis experts.
Please do not delay a diagnosis if you are in pain. Contact us today to make your appointment.
