Spinal Facet Joint Injections Specialist in San Francisco, CA
Spinal facet joint injections are a minimally invasive treatment used to relieve pain and inflammation in the facet joints of the spine, commonly caused by arthritis or injury. By delivering a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid medication directly into the affected joint, these injections provide both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, helping to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. Live a more pain-free life.
Learn about the benefits of spinal facet joint injections by Dr. Robert Savala MD at Presidio Pain Relief. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.
What do facet joint injections treat?
Facet joint injections reduce pain by injecting pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications into your facet joints. A facet joint is a small joint located between each vertebra at the back of your spine. In some cases, these joints can become painful due to wear and tear or traumatic injuries. It is common for people to experience relief for months after receiving an injection. There is a low risk of complications with this minimally invasive procedure.
Pain originating from the facet joints in your back or neck can be treated with facet joint injections. Approximately 67 percent of people with neck pain, 45 percent of people with lower back pain, and 48 percent of people with upper back pain suffer from facet joint pain.
Steroids are used in facet joint injections to reduce inflammation. Other pain relievers such as lidocaine are also included.
When do you need facet injections?
If you have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or modifying your activity levels for at least 3 months, your doctor may recommend these injections.
There are several potential causes of facet joint pain, including osteoarthritis, traumatic injury, joint instability, inflammation of the joint lining, and impingement (excessive pressure on the joint).
Injections of the facet joints can also help diagnose facet joint pain. Injections that result in a positive response suggest that the facet joint is the source of the pain.
What is a facet injection in the spine?
The lumbar facet joint block involves injecting local anesthetic (numbing medicine) into one or more of the small joints on both sides of the spine in the lower part of the back. Several injections may be necessary, depending on how many joints are involved.
Typically, facet joint blocks are requested by patients suffering from back pain due to arthritic changes in the facet joints or mechanical low back pain. Facet joint blocks may be diagnostic (to see if your pain is coming from this area) or therapeutic (to relieve your pain).
You will lie on your stomach in the fluoroscopy (X-ray) room during the procedure. Fluids and/or medication may be given to you through an intravenous (IV) line in your hand or arm. Antiseptic soap will be used to thoroughly clean your back.
Your lower back will be covered with sterile drapes. A very small needle will be used to inject a local anesthetic into your back. There may be a slight stinging or burning sensation for about 15 seconds, and then it will disappear.
Longer needles are then advanced along the spine using X-ray guidance. A local anesthetic medication will be injected (with or without steroids) once the needles are in the proper location.
Band-Aids will be applied, and your skin will be cleaned again. In the recovery area, your vital signs will be monitored for an appropriate time, usually about 20-30 minutes. Upon your doctor's approval, you will be given verbal and written discharge instructions, and you will be able to leave with your driver.
How can facet joint injections benefit you?
Patients with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis may experience greater pain and stiffness due to chronic inflammation. Furthermore, damaged facet joints can lead to disability. The use of steroids can not only bring relief but also slow the progression of the damage.
Medications work by blocking pain signals, whereas facet joint injections work by reducing inflammation, which directly affects pain levels. It also lasts longer than any oral medication, with patients reporting pain relief for months at a time. In this way, patients can take fewer medications and live pain-free for long periods.
Facet joint injections can also be used by physicians to diagnose and treat your condition. To determine the appropriate pain treatment, facet joints can be used to determine the cause.
Presidio Pain Relief offers facet joint infections to help patients begin living a pain-free life. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109. We serve patients from Daly City CA, Sunset District CA, Bernal Heights CA, Bayview CA, Mission District CA, and surrounding areas.