Facet Joint Injection
Facet joint injections work by reducing the inflammation and irritation in the facet joints of the spine that are causing pain. The facet joints are located between each vertebra of the neck and along the spine. These joints are responsible for making your spine flexible and enabling it to bend and twist.
Facet joint injections can do more than treat pain. They can also help your doctor diagnose an underlying condition. If a facet joint injection works to block your pain, this can be valuable information for your doctor.
Conditions Treated with Facet Joint Injection
Facet joint injections can help treat pain caused from:
Possible Side Effects of Facet Joint Injections
As with most medical procedures, there are potential risks and side effects associated with facet joint injections. Although these side effects are relatively rare, it is important to discuss with your doctor.
- Allergic reaction which may cause itching, drop in blood pressure, swelling, or wheezing
- Infection at the injection site
- Bleeding around or near injection site
- Discomfort at the point of the injection
- Nerve or spinal cord damage