Back pain is a common issue, and patients who experience it often find it overwhelming. The pain invades every area of life, making it difficult to accomplish everyday tasks or participate in the activities they once loved. It may seem impossible to escape.
Patients struggling with a spine condition can find less pain, more living at Southlake Orthopaedics. Our board-certified, multi-specialty physicians offer a full range of treatments and management strategies, including facet joint injections. These injections can reduce or eliminate pain for several months at a time. Located in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama, our services are available to patients throughout Central Alabama, helping them return to their active lifestyles.
Facet joints are tiny joints located between each pair of vertebrae. These joints give the spine its flexibility, enabling it to bend and twist. Nerves also pass through these joints to connect the spinal cord with other parts of the body. Because the spine carries a large amount of weight, facet joints may wear down or tear over time. Over time, cumulative damage leads to chronic pain or nerve impingement (sciatica). This is especially common in the lumbar spine, also known as the lower back.
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures to treat pain in facet joints. The physician injects pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, called corticosteroids, directly into the tissue surrounding a facet joint. Patients experience spine pain relief for two to four months or even longer.
Physicians recommend facet joint injections for a variety of pain conditions that originate in the neck or back. At Southlake Orthopaedics, we may use them to treat:
Facet joint injections do not cure the condition itself. Instead, they help to relieve symptoms that arise from a spine condition. Injections are an effective pain management strategy for patients who do not require or desire surgery. They can reduce long-term reliance on pain relief medications.
A facet joint injection takes between 15 to 30 minutes to complete. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can go home the same day. General anesthesia is not used, though sedation may be offered to help patients relax. The procedure is performed following these steps:
Patients are typically monitored for 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure to ensure they have no adverse reactions. The patient may be asked to perform a few movements to assess pain relief.
Most patients experience pain relief immediately after the procedure. This is from the local anesthetic and wears off within two to four hours. There may be some soreness at the injection site afterward. Patients should avoid soaking in water for at least 48 hours to reduce the risk of infection. Pain relief from the corticosteroid typically begins within a few days after the injection. Physical therapy may be recommended to rebuild strength and prevent pain recurrence.
Patients experiencing chronic spine pain can find relief at Southlake Orthopaedics. We provide complete care at every stage, from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. This commitment is backed up by a variety of on-site resources, including a physical therapy clinic and orthotics lab, enabling patients to receive all levels of care at one convenient location. Treatment is delivered with compassion by a knowledgeable team of multi-specialty orthopedic physicians.
Not only are care plans complete, but they are also fully personalized, as no two patients are alike. Effective treatment must take all factors into account, including the patient’s condition, overall health, and finances. Southlake Orthopaedics physicians work with patients to help them understand their options and the cost of each, helping them make the best decisions regarding their own care.
As Southlake Orthopaedics, epidural injection patients may receive treatment from:
William S. Craig IV, MDIf you are struggling with pain that may be caused by a facet joint disorder, do not wait for relief. Find less pain, more living at Southlake Orthopaedics. We are a multi-specialty orthopedic practice delivering complete care locations near you in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, serving patients throughout the Central Alabama region. Contact us to learn more about facet joint injections or to schedule an appointment and find out whether this treatment may be right for you.