Facet Joint Injections
The spine contains interlocking components that allow it to bend and move, supporting the musculoskeletal system in the back. Three of the main components are the vertebrae, spinal discs and facet joints. The facet joints are between each vertebrae and allow the spine to bend and move as needed. When back pain is present, one treatment and diagnostic tool that may be used are facet joint injections, available at Medici Spine & Pain.
The spine and back musculoskeletal system is complex, and it can be difficult to identify the origination of the back pain. To create an effective treatment plan, it is important to determine the exact location or source of pain. Inflammation is often involved with back pain, which can be caused by degenerative diseases like arthritis, disc damage, vertebrae damage or facet joint degeneration. Anti-inflammatory injections into the facet joints can help relieve pain and also pinpoint the source of pain as a diagnostic tool.
Back Pain Injections
Facet joint injections usually contain a local anesthetic and steroid to relieve pain in a specific area. Imaging is used to guide the injection to the exact facet joints being targeted. The local anesthetic offers immediate pain relief, and the steroid medication works to reduce inflammation in the area over the next 3-5 days. If the steroid helps provide pain relief, it can help identify the exact area that is experiencing inflammation. The steroid does not repair the facet joint, disc or vertebrae causing inflammation. However, it can help our physicians determine the best treatment plan moving forward to offer long-term pain relief.
If you have chronic back pain, come see us at Medici Spine & Pain. We can begin diagnostic testing to determine the source of your pain and design a treatment plan to offer relief, which may include facet joint injections. Contact one of our offices in the greater Atlanta area to schedule your evaluation with one of our experienced pain physicians.