Facet injections, otherwise known as facet blocks, provide pain relief that has resulted from inflammation in the facet joints. We don't understand fully how the pain comes about, but it is thought that it results from either arthritis, joint degeneration or injury, with resulting symptoms that could be similar to that seen in disc degeneration.
A facet injection's benefits only last temporarily; from a mere day up to a year as it is a minimal procedure. Facet injections are usually used in conjunction with physical therapy and/or other forms of treatment such as chiropractic spinal manipulation.
Dual purpose
The injection introduces a long-acting corticosteroid, along with a numbing medicine into the painful joint. This is injected either into the joint capsule or potentially alongside the joint period the injection may also serve a diagnostic purpose in addition to a therapeutic pain relieving purpose.
The facet injection blocks signals of pain going to the brain by numbing the nerves around the joint. Individuals who receive pain relief from facet injections may end up being candidates for a radiofrequency thermal ablation, which is a procedure that heats up and deadens the small little nerve endings that cause pain at the facet joint.
Those who benefit from facet injections are individuals suffering from back pain, neck pain, or arm or leg pain that is referred from the back or neck. This pain is coming from inflammation and typically response to the steroids. The injections are also recommended for those who tried treatments including anti-inflammatories, Tylenol, a back brace, or PT.
The facet blocks may be used to treat sciatica, herniated disc, postoperative pain, arthritis, or spinal stenosis. Those who are pregnant or have an active infection or potentially of bleeding problems should not undergo facet injections. Also individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure should utilize caution as injections into these areas may raise blood sugar levels for a brief period time or slightly raised blood pressure.
Rapid pain relief
Facet joint injections are administered as an outpatient treatment by surgeons, physiatrists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and neurologists using a fluoroscope. A fluoroscope is like an x-ray machine that allows the doctor to see the needle to help assure proper placement and a proper path. The patient usually feels a sensation similar to pressure but doesn't really feel pain as the area injected is usually numbed with a local anesthetic prior to the injection.
At times the patient may be given anxiety drugs to help them relax such as Valium. Most patients can ambulate right after the injection, but typically will need a ride home. Pain relief should be noticed within a few days to a week after the injection. If there is only minimal pain release after about a week a 2nd injection may be performed but if after 2 injections no helpers received it might not be best to proceed with any more. Over half of patients typically get excellent relief from the injections and the procedure may typically be repeated 3 times per year.
Lower risks
Risks involved are considered minimal, but there are some; these include internal bleeding, infection at the site, allergic reaction, pounding in the temple, and damage to the nerve. There are also side effects which include fluid retention, hot flashes, mood swings or interrupted sleep patterns, and a rise in blood sugar levels. Diabetics have to be monitored carefully due to this. Also, patients who take anti-clotting or blood thinning medications should discuss the treatments with their family physician before beginning treatment.
Facet blocks are an excellent choice in pain management to try up prior to an invasive spinal surgery. They have less chance of complications and a lower risk profile than surgery.
A facet injection's benefits only last temporarily; from a mere day up to a year as it is a minimal procedure. Facet injections are usually used in conjunction with physical therapy and/or other forms of treatment such as chiropractic spinal manipulation.
Dual purpose
The injection introduces a long-acting corticosteroid, along with a numbing medicine into the painful joint. This is injected either into the joint capsule or potentially alongside the joint period the injection may also serve a diagnostic purpose in addition to a therapeutic pain relieving purpose.
The facet injection blocks signals of pain going to the brain by numbing the nerves around the joint. Individuals who receive pain relief from facet injections may end up being candidates for a radiofrequency thermal ablation, which is a procedure that heats up and deadens the small little nerve endings that cause pain at the facet joint.
Those who benefit from facet injections are individuals suffering from back pain, neck pain, or arm or leg pain that is referred from the back or neck. This pain is coming from inflammation and typically response to the steroids. The injections are also recommended for those who tried treatments including anti-inflammatories, Tylenol, a back brace, or PT.
The facet blocks may be used to treat sciatica, herniated disc, postoperative pain, arthritis, or spinal stenosis. Those who are pregnant or have an active infection or potentially of bleeding problems should not undergo facet injections. Also individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure should utilize caution as injections into these areas may raise blood sugar levels for a brief period time or slightly raised blood pressure.
Rapid pain relief
Facet joint injections are administered as an outpatient treatment by surgeons, physiatrists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and neurologists using a fluoroscope. A fluoroscope is like an x-ray machine that allows the doctor to see the needle to help assure proper placement and a proper path. The patient usually feels a sensation similar to pressure but doesn't really feel pain as the area injected is usually numbed with a local anesthetic prior to the injection.
At times the patient may be given anxiety drugs to help them relax such as Valium. Most patients can ambulate right after the injection, but typically will need a ride home. Pain relief should be noticed within a few days to a week after the injection. If there is only minimal pain release after about a week a 2nd injection may be performed but if after 2 injections no helpers received it might not be best to proceed with any more. Over half of patients typically get excellent relief from the injections and the procedure may typically be repeated 3 times per year.
Lower risks
Risks involved are considered minimal, but there are some; these include internal bleeding, infection at the site, allergic reaction, pounding in the temple, and damage to the nerve. There are also side effects which include fluid retention, hot flashes, mood swings or interrupted sleep patterns, and a rise in blood sugar levels. Diabetics have to be monitored carefully due to this. Also, patients who take anti-clotting or blood thinning medications should discuss the treatments with their family physician before beginning treatment.
Facet blocks are an excellent choice in pain management to try up prior to an invasive spinal surgery. They have less chance of complications and a lower risk profile than surgery.
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Want to find out more about Phoenix chiropractors, then visit Preferred Pain Center's site on how to choose the best chiropractor in Phoenix for your needs.
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