Facet Joint Syndrome
What is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet Joint Syndrome is a common cause of chronic back and neck pain, stemming from inflammation or degeneration of the facet joints, which connect the vertebrae in the spine. These small joints allow movement and flexibility, but when they become irritated or damaged, they can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility.
At Alton Pain Clinic, we specialise in diagnosing and treating facet joint syndrome, offering advanced, minimally invasive facet joint injection treatment to help relieve pain and restore function.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Localised Pain: In the neck (cervical spine), upper back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine).
- Stiffness: Difficulty bending or twisting the spine.
- Pain Worsening with Movement: Activities such as standing, sitting for long periods, or certain movements may exacerbate the pain.
- Referred Pain: The pain can radiate to other areas, such as the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs, depending on the affected region.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections are a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment option for relieving pain caused by facet joint syndrome, a condition resulting from inflammation or degeneration of the facet joints in the spine. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.
At Alton Pain Clinic, we perform ultrasound-guided facet joint injections, ensuring precision and safety throughout the procedure. This targeted approach provides rapid relief for those suffering from chronic neck or back pain due to facet joint problems.
Facet Joint Injection Procedure
Facet joint injections are a straightforward, outpatient procedure that typically takes about 20–30 minutes. Patient is screened for any contraindications before injection:
- Preparation: The area to be treated is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the skin and surrounding tissues, ensuring comfort during the procedure.
- Ultrasound Guidance: We use advanced ultrasound technology to guide the injection. This imaging allows us to visualise the facet joint in real-time, ensuring that the needle is placed precisely in the correct position.
- Injection: A mixture of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic is injected into the inflamed facet joint. The corticosteroid works to reduce inflammation, while the local anaesthetic provides immediate pain relief.
- Post-Procedure: Patients are monitored for a short time after the injection and can go home the same day. It’s advised to rest for the first 24 hours and gradually resume normal activities over the following days.
Your Care Pathway With Us
- To book an appointment you can call our reception line, 0142084487, or email to info@altonpainclinic.co.uk or click the button given below.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal examination and testing.
- Same day Ultrasound Guided Injection for pain relief.
- Discussion of your treatment plan, treatment plan can include advanced treatments for example Facet Joint Injections and various other options tailored to your specific needs.
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Understanding Facet Joint Syndrome
Anatomy of the Facet Joints
The facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae at the back of the spine. They provide stability and guide movement, allowing the spine to bend, twist, and flex. Each vertebra has two pairs of facet joints: one connecting to the vertebra above and one connecting to the vertebra below. A layer of cartilage covers these joints, ensuring smooth, pain-free movement. When this cartilage wears down or the joints become inflamed, it leads to pain and stiffness, known as facet joint syndrome.
Causes
Facet joint syndrome often results from:
- Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear on the joints, known as osteoarthritis or Spondylolisthesis, is a leading cause.
- Injury: Trauma from accidents or repetitive motion can damage the joints.
- Postural Issues: Poor posture, especially when sitting for prolonged periods, can strain the joints.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions in activities like heavy lifting or sports can irritate the joints.
Diagnosis of Facet Joint Pain
At Alton Pain Clinic, we provide a comprehensive evaluation to accurately diagnose facet joint syndrome:
- Physical Examination: Our specialists assess your spine’s mobility and evaluate pain triggers.
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions such as herniated discs.
Benefits of Facet Joint Injections
- Targeted Pain Relief: The injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain, reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort in the joint.
- Quick and Minimally Invasive: The procedure is quick and minimally invasive, offering patients relief without the need for surgery.
- Ultrasound Precision: Using ultrasound ensures that the injection is placed accurately, improving effectiveness and minimising the risk of complications.
- Improved Mobility: By reducing pain and inflammation, facet joint injections help improve spinal mobility, allowing for a greater range of movement.
- Fast Recovery: Patients often experience significant pain relief within a few days and can return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
When to Consider Facet Joint Injections
If you’re experiencing chronic neck or back pain from facet joint syndrome that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication, facet joint injections could be an excellent option for pain relief.
At Alton Pain Clinic, our expert team will assess your condition and determine if this procedure is right for you, helping you get back to pain-free living as quickly as possible.
Contact Alton Pain Clinic today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how facet joint injections can help relieve your pain.