Joints are often a source of pain during movement, including the facet joints in the spine. To enable your spine to bend and twist, facet joints are located between vertebrae. Like any joint, facet joints can be injured or deteriorate due to degenerative diseases like arthritis. Inflammation in and around the facet joints may be the source of back or neck pain. At Hanowell Spine Clinic, we use injections for pain relief and as a diagnostic tool to identify facet joint problems.
The source of back and neck pain is often difficult to diagnose. A damaged disc, vertebra, bone spur or facet joint can be the source of similar pain, but to treat the problem, the source must be identified. Facet joint injections are used for two purposes, which are to offer potential pain relief and determine if a facet joint is the source of the pain. If the injection offers relief, it can help pinpoint where the pain is originating, helping our spine specialists create an effective treatment plan for long-term relief.
Non-Invasive Spine Joint Pain Relief
To perform a facet joint injection, x-rays are used to guide a needle into the targeted facet joint. A local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication are delivered by injection. The local anesthetic can give immediate pain relief, while the steroid will reduce inflammation in the area over the next few days. If the injection to the targeted facet joint relieves the pain, it can help our doctors devise a treatment plan. In the meantime, the anti-inflammatory effects can last for up to six months, giving you relief.
If you have back pain that may be caused by a facet joint disorder or injury, come see us at Hanowell Spine Clinic. We offer advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options for all types of back and spine pain at our clinic in Covington, GA.