A Facet joint is a small joint that lies on both sides of each bone of the spine. They connect the bones of our spine together. These joints assist with bending forward and backward, and help to stabilize the spine. The Medial Branch of the Dorsal Root Ganglion is a nerve that tells the body pain is coming from a particular facet joint. An individual facet joint is supplied by two small nerves: one above the level of the joint and one below. Your Doctor using the latest techniques has the ability to inject steroid and anesthetic (numbing) medication in the joint it self or at the level of the Medial Branch nerve to block the pain signals from the joint.
Am I a candidate for a Facet related procedure?
Typically your doctor will evaluate the nature of your pain and location in making this determination. Typical conditions that respond to Facet Joint Blocks include: Cervical Headaches, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Whiplash injuries, Arthritis of the spine, Facet Joint Disease.
How long does the procedure take?
Typically 10-15 minutes. Depending on the number of nerves or joints being blocked.
What are the benefits of a Facet Joint Injection or Medial Branch Block?
Facet Joint Injections or Medial Branch Blocks, have the ability to reduce inflammation in a localized fashion, thereby reducing pain and helping to reset the pain pathways in your body. They have the added benefit, of targeting medication, so that it is released directly to the region, or area causing the pain.
How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure will take approximately 10 – 20 minutes.
Where is the procedure performed?
It is typically done in an office or surgical suite using fluoroscopy.
How is the procedure performed?
Typically an IV is started so that the anesthesiologist can administer sedating medication to make you comfortable. Your doctor will identify the area he/she will be injecting, using the X-ray machine, and then provide some local numbing medication (Lidocaine) before placement of the needle. The spinal needle is advanced using x-ray guidance into the joint or around the nerve. Needle position is confirmed with the X-ray images and anatomical localization. Once needle placement is assured, the therapeutic solution is injected.
What if I am afraid of needles?
Typically patients with needle phobia do just fine with sedation to help relax them. They also typically will have little to no memory of the actual procedure.
Is it painful?
Generally no, your doctor will do everything possible to minimize and discomfort during the procedure. This may require sedation, and is typically achieved with the numbing medication (lidocaine).
What are the risks and side effects?
The procedure is generally safe. However, with any procedure or medications there are potential risk, complications, and side effects. The potential risks to a certain degree depend on the region of the shot. Whenever a needle is introduced through the skin there is risk of infection, bleeding, and soreness. For this reason, all our procedures are performed under sterile technique, and a careful history is taken to ensure any risks of bleeding are minimized. On occasion, one may develop numbness do to extensive spread of the local anesthetic. Nerve damage is virtually non-existent, though there are some exceedingly rare case reports reported in the medical literature.
How long does the procedure last for?
A person’s response will vary depending on their underlying condition, severity of illness, lifestyle, and the goal of the injection. Some people have a single injection. Others have a partial response and may require additional injections to achieve more robust improvement. Some fail to respond completely. In some instances, your doctor will recommend a diagnostic block. In this case, your relief may be short term. You will be re-evaluated following your initial injection by your doctor. For those who respond favorably and are appropriate candidates, radiofrequency ablation can be of benefit as a next more long-term solution.