Chronic back and neck pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities challenging and uncomfortable. For many patients suffering from facet joint-related pain, facet joint injections have emerged as a highly effective treatment option that provides substantial relief and improved mobility.
Understanding Facet Joints
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae in your spine. These joints provide approximately 20% of the stability in your lower back and neck while allowing for the flexibility needed for bending and twisting movements. Each vertebra has four facet joints: two that connect to the vertebra above and two that connect to the vertebra below.
Like other joints in your body, facet joints are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a lubricating capsule that enables smooth movement. Over time, these joints can become sources of pain due to various factors including arthritis, injury, mechanical stress, or degenerative conditions. When facet joints become inflamed or damaged, they can cause significant discomfort and limit your range of motion.
What Are Facet Joint Injections?
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures designed to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints. The injection typically contains a combination of a local anesthetic (for immediate pain relief) and a corticosteroid (for longer-term anti-inflammatory effects). This powerful combination works to reduce inflammation, decrease pain signals, and promote healing in the affected joint.
At APSI Wellness Naples, our experienced physicians perform these injections using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise needle placement directly into or near the affected facet joint. This image-guided approach maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing any potential risks or discomfort.
Who Can Benefit from Facet Joint Injections?
Facet joint injections can provide significant relief for patients experiencing various types of spinal pain. You may be an ideal candidate if you’re dealing with:
- Chronic neck or back pain that hasn’t responded adequately to conservative treatments
- Pain that worsens with extension (leaning backward) or rotation of the spine
- Arthritis in the facet joints (also known as facet joint syndrome)
- Pain radiating to the shoulders, buttocks, or upper thighs
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the spine
- Degenerative disc disease affecting the facet joints
- Post-surgical spine pain localized to specific facet joints
The Procedure: What to Expect
Understanding the procedure can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure you’re well-prepared for your treatment. At APSI Wellness Naples, we prioritize patient comfort and safety throughout the entire process.
The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. You’ll be positioned comfortably on an X-ray table, and the injection site will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin, making the injection process more comfortable. Using real-time fluoroscopic imaging, your physician will carefully guide a small needle to the targeted facet joint. Once proper positioning is confirmed, the medication is slowly injected. You may feel pressure or slight discomfort during the injection, but most patients report minimal pain during the procedure.
Facet Joint Injections
Recovery and Results
One of the significant advantages of facet joint injections is the minimal downtime required. Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two after the procedure. You may experience some soreness at the injection site for 24-48 hours, which typically resolves quickly.
The timeline for pain relief varies among patients. Some experience immediate relief from the local anesthetic, which may last several hours. The corticosteroid component typically begins working within 2-7 days and can provide relief lasting from several weeks to several months, or even longer in some cases. The duration of relief depends on various factors including the severity of your condition, your overall health, and how your body responds to the medication.
Safety and Success Rates
Facet joint injections have an excellent safety profile when performed by experienced specialists. At APSI Wellness Naples, our board-certified physicians use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure optimal outcomes. Clinical studies have shown that 70-80% of patients experience significant pain relief following facet joint injections, with many reporting improved function and quality of life.
While complications are rare, potential risks include temporary increase in pain, infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction to the medication. Our team takes extensive precautions to minimize these risks and carefully screens all patients before treatment.
Combining Treatment with Physical Therapy
For optimal long-term results, we often recommend combining facet joint injections with physical therapy and other conservative treatments. The pain relief provided by the injection creates an ideal window for engaging in therapeutic exercises that can strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and address underlying mechanical issues contributing to your pain.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
If you’re struggling with chronic neck or back pain, facet joint injections may offer the relief you’ve been seeking. At APSI Wellness Naples, our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting pain relief and improved quality of life. We take the time to thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss all treatment options, and create a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t let pain control your life any longer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how facet joint injections can help you return to the activities you love. Our state-of-the-art facility in Naples is conveniently located and equipped with the latest technology to provide you with the highest standard of care.
Visit Our Naples Location
APSI Wellness Naples
9975 Tamiami Trail North
Suite 1 (Suite 101)
Naples, FL 34108
