Chronic neck and spine pain can interfere with daily activities, making them seem impossible. Facet Joint Injections offer a minimally invasive and effective option for those seeking relief. This procedure is unsuitable for everyone suffering from back pain; it is most effective for those with the greatest need.
When you consult experts such as ASAP Pain Docs, you can be assured of receiving tailored advice and professional treatment.
What Are Facet Joint Injections?
Facet joints are small joints between the vertebrae that allow flexibility and stabilization. When these joints become inflamed due to injury, wear and tear, or arthritis, they result in localized neck, midback, or lower back pain.
Anesthetics or corticosteroids are injected directly into joints to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This dual-action strategy provides diagnostic and therapeutic benefits.
Characteristics Of Ideal Candidates For Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections don’t fit everyone. Physicians must determine whether a particular patient can benefit from the procedure. You can find out who is the best candidate by reading on:
- Localized Spinal Pain
Individuals suffering from persistent neck or back pain localized at specific points along the spine may be good candidates. Facet-joint injections can be used to treat pain in these joints.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain that worsens when you twist, bend, or stand for long periods.
- Swelling or restricted motion in the neck and back.
- Tenderness is felt around the joints.
- Pain Unresponsive To Conservative Treatments
Ideal candidates usually have tried and failed conservative treatments such as physical therapy, oral medications, or lifestyle modifications. When the initial treatments are not effective, facet joint injection is often recommended.
- Diagnosed Conditions Linked To Facet Joint Pain
Facet injections can benefit patients with certain medical problems. They include:
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the facet joints.
- Stenosis Spinale: Narrowing and irritation of the facet joints.
- Pain Related to Injury: Traumas and overuse injuries inflamed joints.
ASAP Pain Doctors can help determine whether facet-joint injections are the best treatment for your condition.
- Not Suitable For Surgery
Facet Joint Injections are particularly helpful for individuals who aren’t candidates for surgery or want to delay an invasive procedure. This non-surgical procedure has minimal downtime and allows patients to resume normal activities soon after.
- Desire For Dual-Purpose Relief
Facet joint injections have both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ideal candidates will be those who need pain relief and confirmation of where the pain originates to guide other treatments, like physical therapy and radiofrequency ablation.
Who May Not Be Ideal Candidates?
Some individuals may not qualify for facet injections. Exclusions are often:
- Active Viruses: Patients suffering from untreated viral infections should refrain from injecting themselves until a doctor has cleared them.
- Drug Allergies: If you are allergic to anesthetics, corticosteroids (or similar medications), or both, it is important to explore alternatives.
- Bleeding disorder: Patients suffering from conditions that can increase bleeding risk are not suitable for this procedure.
- In pregnancy: It is important to avoid unnecessary injections during pregnancy unless it’s necessary.
If you fall into any of the above categories, consulting with a specialist at ASAP’s Pain Docs can help you find alternative methods to manage your pain.
Benefits Of Facet Joint Injections
Ideal candidates for injections of the facet joints often have several benefits.
- Directed Injection: This localized injection targets the inflamed area.
- Quick Procedure: In most cases, the procedure is completed within 30 minutes with minimal discomfort.
- Fast Recover: Most Patients Can Resume Normal Activities Within 24 Hours
How To Determine Your Eligibility?
You should consult with a pain management specialist to confirm whether facet-joint injections are right for you. Clinics are highly skilled at diagnosing complicated pain conditions and designing individualized treatment programs.
You’ll likely find the following items in your evaluation:
- You should have your medical record reviewed in full.
- Physical examination for pain sources.
- Imaging tests are used to diagnose abnormalities in the joints.
- Injections are used to test the effectiveness of drugs.
Conclusion
Facet Joint Injections are a safe and effective treatment option for chronic neck or back pain. Ideal candidates have localized spinal problems, conditions related to facet inflammation, or a desire to avoid surgical intervention. Facet joint injections can be determined by contacting experienced professionals, like ASAP.
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, book a consult with pain management experts. Proper care can restore your quality of life and experience long-term satisfaction.
