What is a Facet Infiltration?

A facet joint block injection, also known as infiltration, is a minimally invasive spinal treatment to relieve long-term pain and inflammation. Facet joints are found on both sides of the vertebrae and provide support and stability for the spine. Inflammation surrounding these joints can develop due to injury or diseases like arthritis, producing pain and stiffness. Facet joint pain-blocking injections are widely used to alleviate pain and inflammation, but they can also determine the source of back or neck problems.

What are facet joints?

The facet joints connect the bones in the spinal column. Nerves pass through facet joints to the rest of the body, allowing the spine to bend and twist.

Facet joints have cartilage between them to ensure smooth, pain-free movement where two bones meet. The synovium lines the joints, which are lubricated by joint fluid. Facet joints can swell as a result of underlying medical conditions such as arthritis or trauma due to injury. Depending on which joint is affected, patients may experience headaches or lower back pain. Neck stiffness and pain in the buttocks and thighs may also be experienced.

What are pain blocks?

The injection of medication into a specific place in the body can often block a clump of nerves called a plexus or ganglion that causes pain to a specific region. A nerve block is an injection containing this nerve-numbing chemical. Nerve blocks can sometimes be used to avoid surgery and treat chronic pain. Different types of pain require different types of nerve blocks, these include:

• Therapeutic Nerve Blocks
• Diagnostic Word Blocks
• Prognostic Nerve Blocks
• Pre-emptive Nerve Blocks

Pain blocks typically take effect within fifteen to twenty minutes post-injection.