Facet Blocks for
Back Pain
Facet block injections are a nonsurgical way to treat pain and inflammation of the facet joints that are located in the top and bottom of each vertebra of the spine.
What are Facet Block Injections?
Facet pain and inflammation can be caused by a variety of conditions including spinal stenosis, spondylolysis, sciatica, and arthritis. When conservative treatments fail to relieve pain, facet block injections containing corticosteroid and anesthetic medication numb the joint, thus providing relief to your neck, low back, and legs.
Facet blocks can also be used for diagnostic purposes. They help determine whether the source of your pain is actually in your facet joint.
Spine Care Doctors in Columbia, Eldersburg, and Catonsville
At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, our spine doctors provide facet joint injections as an in-office procedure. It is usually performed without sedation.
During the treatment, you will lie face down on an exam table while the injection site is sterilized and numbed. To enhance accuracy and minimize risks, the doctor uses fluoroscopy (a weak X-ray) to guide the needle into a safe position near where the nerve exits the lumbar spine. A tiny amount of iodine contrast is used to confirm the position of the needle before medication is administered. The doctor then delivers the medication into the affected facet joint capsule.
Facet block injections are effective in about 50% of those who receive them, providing symptom relief for several days to a few months. If successful, the procedure can be repeated up to three times per year.
To learn if you’re a good candidate for facet block injections, call The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics at (410) 644-1880 for an appointment or you can schedule one online.
