Introduction
Facet joints connect the vertebrae that form the spinal column, allowing smooth movement and flexibility. However, factors like aging, injury, arthritis, or specific spine conditions can hinder joint movement, leading to discomfort and limited mobility. These symptoms are collectively known as facet joint syndrome.
For many, relief from facet joint syndrome comes from medications and physical therapy. For longer-lasting results, radiofrequency neurotomy can be used to deactivate nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This combination of therapies can help restore pain-free motion, allowing you to return to favorite activities and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Treatment
Your doctor can provide facet joint injections as an outpatient procedure. The treatment usually requires the use of fluoroscopy, and thus can be done in a doctor’s office, an outpatient center, or a hospital. You should have another person drive you to and from the facility on the day of your facet injection.
You will wear an examination gown for your facet injection procedure. You will lie face down on the exam table. The injection site will be sterilized and numbed. You may be sedated or awake for the procedure.
Your doctor will use a C-arm fluoroscope, an imaging device, to guide the placement of the injection. Your doctor will inject the medication into your facet joint capsule. You will be able to walk immediately following the procedure, but you should take it easy for the next few days.
Facet injections are effective in about 50% of people that receive them. Treatments can provide symptom relief for several days to months. If facet injections are successful for you, the procedure can be repeated up to three times per year.
