The main objectives of Facet Joint Injections are to find out where exactly the pain is coming from, to find out what the underlying factor behind it is, and to treat it for both long and short term pain.
Anesthetics are administered to the suspected facet joint before the diagnostic injection is given. The diagnostic injection is then used to determine the origin and cause of the pain. Fluoroscopy (a technique that uses X-rays) will ensure that the needle is properly placed before injecting the treatment.
With the therapeutic injection, a slow-acting steroid is typically administered to provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation in the joint. To achieve longer-term pain relief we use chemical neurolysis, another injection treatment targeting the affected facet joints. This injection contains chemical ablating agents, which will cause impairment of the nerve tissue and reduce its capacity to communicate pain signals. Whether it’s for long or short-term relief, these procedures can help to alleviate your aching and allow you to get back to living a pain-free life.
