Why get a Facet Joint Injection?
At times, it becomes quite difficult for the doctor to decide what is causing the pain in your low back or legs, or your neck or arms. Often through history, examination, and review of your X-rays, MRI or CT scan, a pain generator can be determined. If your pain persists despite efforts at physical therapy, rehabilitation, and medication, then a decision must be made on how to proceed. If you are unable to tolerate the pain and it remains persistent and/or severe, then nerve blocks may pinpoint a pain generator. Once a pain generator has been identified, decisions can be made regarding how best to treat it. Diagnostic blocks are tests meant to decrease your pain temporarily and to define it more precisely.Â
Pain which is mostly in the back or neck with a less specific vague aching in the legs or arms may be coming from one or more of the little guiding joints in the lumbar or cervical area of the spine. These joints are called FACET JOINTS. Just as a joint in your finger, shoulder, or elbow can give you discomfort, so can facet joints in your back or neck. This is “mechanical low back pain” or “mechanical neck pain” and has certain characteristics, which can be identified from your history and physical. In addition, the X-rays, MRI or CT scan might suggest some “wear and tear” or arthritis in these joints.
Initial treatment is usually physical therapy
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