What Conditions Can Be Treated with Facet Injections?
A Facet Injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers Medication directly into facet joints in the spine. Facet injections are primarily used to treat pain associated with arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal injuries that affect the facet joints. Conditions such as spondylosis, which involves the wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints, can lead to inflammation and pain in the facet joints. Facet injections are also effective in managing pain resulting from whiplash injuries, which can cause damage to the cervical facet joints.
In addition to these conditions, facet injections can be used to treat pain from facet joint syndrome, a condition characterized by chronic pain and stiffness in the back or neck due to facet joint dysfunction. Patients with chronic low back pain or neck pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication may find significant relief from facet injections. This treatment can improve mobility and quality of life for individuals suffering from persistent spinal pain.
Before recommending facet injections, healthcare providers typically conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and imaging studies, to confirm the facet joints as the pain source. Patients should have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes and understand that facet injections are part of a broader pain management strategy. Individuals with certain medical conditions, may need to explore alternative treatments. A detailed discussion with a healthcare provider can help determine if facet injections are an appropriate option.
