The spaces between the vertebrae of the back are facet joints. These are instrumental in allowing movement of the spine as each vertebra moves against the one above or below it. Inflammation due to degenerative disease, injury, or mineral deficiencies can cause a great amount of discomfort to the facet joints. Chronic pain from facet joints is called facet syndrome.

Facet injections relieve the swelling and inflammation and, in most cases, can address the pain associated with it. While most pain is centralized to the spine, some can be projected to other parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and other areas near the backbone.

Who is a Candidate for Facet Injections at Florida pain clinics?

Not everyone with back pain is a candidate for facet injections, but arthritis sufferers or patients with thickened facet joints may benefit from this treatment. It is the most common procedure performed by pain doctors in America because the problem is so common. If X-rays indicate the presence of inflammation and a person is suffering from chronic pain in the back or neck, facet injections are beneficial much of the time.

Traumatic injuries to the back or neck often lead to facet joint pain. Whiplash is one of the more common injuries that cause facet related pain, and truly the most common reason for pain is the wear and tear of degenerative facet arthritis.

Usually, facet injections are not the first form of treatment for spinal injuries. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatments are more apt to be attempted before resorting to the needle.

The Process of Facet Injections

A typical session of facet injections only takes ten to twenty minutes at a pain management Tampa clinic. The medication itself contains steroids and anesthetics and is administered by a needle that goes deep into the tissue. This causes some pain, which is offset by the use of local anesthetics.

Facet Joint Injections

Patients typically lie on their stomachs while they receive facet injections. This decreases the likelihood that a sudden movement might cause a problem with the treatment and allows for more separation between vertebrae. Neck or cervical facet injections may require patients to be placed in different positions.

The number of facet injections a patient receives is based on the extent of discomfort and how soon the condition causing the pain can be addressed in other ways. These injections are performed by pain management Delray Beach FL clinics and many others around the state.

The Florida Pain Network has pain clinics and doctors around the state to help. The website has geographically targeted listings which show those closest to your zip codes. or you may simply call (877) 877-8556 for assistance.