What Are Facet Joints?
The spinal column, also known as the vertebrae, is comprised of 33 bones that protect the spinal cord. Facet joints are the intervertebral discs that act as connectors between bones, allowing the upper body to move. Facet joints are filled with fluid, and over time the fluid decreases and the facets lose volume. Facet joint syndrome occurs when facet joints become inflamed and cause back or neck pain.
What does a facet joint injection do?
Healthcare providers use facet joint injections to relieve pain associated with facet joints. There are two types of facet joint injections:
- Medial branch blocks
- Facet joint injections
Medial branch blocks (MBB) target the medial nerves associated with facet joints. During the procedure, doctors inject an anesthetic near the facet joints to determine if the patient suffers from facet joint pain. If the facet joints are the problem, doctors move on to medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy. This procedure involves using a needle to deliver electrodes to the medial nerves. The electrodes create heat lesions that limit the pain signals the nerves send to the brain.
What happens if the facet joint injection doesn’t work?
With standard facet joint injections, doctors use an X-ray to identify the joint and inject anesthetic cortisone into the area. Injections are non-surgical procedures that provide temporary relief. MBBs offer more permanent relief.
When doctors treat facet joint syndrome, doctors try a combination of different therapies like massage therapy, muscle relaxants, and painkillers. Depending on the patient, these therapies can make a noticeable difference. If these methods don’t work, doctors may try radiofrequency ablation.
How can radiofrequency ablation relieve my back pain?
Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment that uses heat to desensitize the nerve endings that cause back pain. Doctors use a fluoroscope to see the facet joint, and a thin needle is used to inject a numbing medication. The same needle is used to deliver an electric current that burns the nerve, creating a heat lesion. MBBs are the first part of this treatment and are conducted before radiofrequency ablation.
