When joint inflammation occurs, it can be hard to discern where the inflammation is occurring and where the origin of your pain is. By using diagnostic and therapeutic facet injections, we can determine the cause of your pain and provide therapeutic pain relief to those facet joints.
What Are Diagnostic and Therapeutic Facet Injections?
Facet joint injections are performed primarily for diagnosing conditions along the spine, such as facet syndrome. Facet syndrome refers to pain and dysfunction in the facet joints or the small joints located along the back of the spine. These joints connect the adjacent vertebrae, allowing our spines better movement and stability. When facet syndrome occurs, it causes the facet joints to deteriorate over time, leading to back pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
When facet dysfunction occurs, facet joint injections can be performed as a way to diagnose any underlying conditions that may be present in your spine. However, facet joint injections can also be used for targeted pain relief for treating facet syndrome, radiating pain syndrome, and other underlying conditions already present. During your procedure, our team can perform a facet joint injection under the following steps:
- Preparation: Before the procedure, our providers will explain the details of the facet joint injection and address any concerns or questions you may have. We may ask about your medical history, medications, and allergies. Before the procedure, you may be instructed to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners.
- Positioning: During the procedure, you will be asked to lie on an examination table, typically on your stomach or side, depending on the location of the facet joints to be injected. The skin over the injection site will be cleaned and sterilized.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the skin and underlying tissues at the injection site to help minimize discomfort during the procedure.
- Fluoroscopic Guidance: Fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray imaging technique, will guide precise needle placement. It helps our providers visualize the facet joint and surrounding structures.
- Needle Insertion: Our team will insert a thin needle into the targeted facet joint or medial branch using fluoroscopy guidance. The needle may be repositioned or adjusted for accurate placement.
- Medication Injection: Once the needle is correctly positioned, anesthetic (such as lidocaine or bupivacaine) will be injected into the facet joint. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief,
- Post-Injection Observation: After the injection, you may be monitored for a short period to ensure no immediate complications and will be released to head back home to recover.
At Houston Pain And Spine, our team takes an individualized approach to each patient. Based on your specific symptoms and diagnostic results, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include diagnostic and therapeutic facet procedures and other complementary treatments to address your unique needs.
Find Effective Pain Relief at Houston Pain and Spine
If you’re struggling with back pain or suspect facet joint involvement, don’t hesitate to contact Houston Pain and Spine. Dr. Asif Chaudhry and our dedicated team are committed to providing comprehensive care for your pain management needs. Contact us at 832-436-4040 to schedule a consultation at our clinic in Houston, TX. Let us help you find accurate diagnoses and effective treatments through diagnostic and therapeutic facets, empowering you to live a pain-free life.
