Facet Joint Injections: Comprehensive Relief for Chronic Back and Neck Pain in New Jersey
Facet joint injections are a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment option for patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain due to inflammation or arthritis in the facet joints of the spine. These joints, located between each vertebra, help stabilize the spine and enable smooth movement. When the facet joints become irritated or inflamed, they can cause significant discomfort, restricting mobility and overall quality of life. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, board-certified spine surgeons Dr. James Dwyer and Dr. Paul Vessa offer advanced facet joint injections to provide targeted relief, ensuring patients receive the highest level of care and expertise.
Symptoms Treated by Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections are used to alleviate a range of symptoms commonly associated with facet joint issues, such as:
• Chronic back or neck pain: Often localized in the lower back (lumbar region) or neck (cervical region), this pain can become more intense with movement.
• Pain that worsens with twisting or bending: Difficulty performing daily movements like bending, twisting, or getting out of bed.
• Stiffness or reduced mobility: Limited range of motion due to joint pain.
• Pain radiating into the buttocks, thighs, or shoulders: In some cases, pain may extend from the spine to surrounding areas.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, facet joint injections may provide the relief you need to regain mobility and comfort.
Causes of Facet Joint Pain
Facet joint pain is typically caused by:
• Arthritis or osteoarthritis: The wear and tear on the facet joints over time can lead to inflammation and pain.
• Degenerative disc disease: As spinal discs deteriorate, increased stress is placed on the facet joints.
• Spinal injuries or trauma: Accidents or sports injuries can damage the facet joints, leading to chronic pain.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spaces within the spine can place added pressure on the facet joints.
Diagnosis of Facet Joint Pain
At the New Jersey Spine Institute, diagnosing facet joint pain is a thorough process. Our board-certified spine surgeons will perform a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
• Physical Examination: Assessing your range of motion and pinpointing the location of your pain.
• Imaging Tests: Using MRI or CT scans to evaluate the condition of the spine and facet joints.
• Diagnostic Injections: In some cases, diagnostic facet joint injections may be used to confirm that the facet joint is the source of your pain. A local anesthetic is injected into the joint, and if your pain subsides, it confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment Options: Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections serve both as a diagnostic tool and as a long-term treatment option for managing chronic pain. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, Dr. James Dwyer and Dr. Paul Vessa perform facet joint injections with a level of precision and expertise that sets them apart from general pain management physicians. Here’s how:
• Performed by Board-Certified Spine Surgeons: Unlike pain management doctors, who may focus solely on injections, Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Vessa are highly specialized in spinal anatomy and surgical interventions. This means they bring a deeper understanding of spinal structures to each procedure, ensuring that the injections are delivered precisely to the right location for maximum benefit.
• Comprehensive Approach: While pain management physicians often limit their focus to symptom relief, Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Vessa take a holistic view of your spinal health, considering both immediate relief and long-term spine function.
• Fluoroscopic Guidance: Our surgeons use advanced imaging technology, such as fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray), to ensure that the facet joint injection is placed exactly where it’s needed, improving the likelihood of pain relief and reducing the risk of complications.
How Facet Joint Injections Work
Facet joint injections typically consist of two components:
• Local Anesthetic: Provides immediate, temporary relief by numbing the affected area.
• Corticosteroid: Reduces inflammation in the joint, providing longer-term pain relief that can last several weeks to several months.
The procedure is relatively quick and performed in-office or in an outpatient setting. Patients can typically go home the same day and are encouraged to gradually return to normal activities.
Recovery After Facet Joint Injections
Recovery is generally fast, with most patients experiencing relief within a few days to a week. You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 to 48 hours, but you can usually resume light activity shortly after the procedure.
FAQs About Facet Joint Injections
Q: How long do facet joint injections last?
A: Relief from facet joint injections can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual’s response. For some, the injections can provide long-term pain management with periodic treatments.
Q: Are facet joint injections painful?
A: Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and the entire process typically takes only 10-15 minutes.
Q: How many facet joint injections can I have?
A: Typically, patients can safely receive up to three injections per year. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan based on your response to the injections.
Q: Can I drive home after the procedure?
A: It’s generally recommended that you arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as the local anesthetic and discomfort may affect your ability to drive immediately afterward.
Q: What happens if facet joint injections don’t relieve my pain?
A: If facet joint injections do not provide adequate relief, Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Vessa can explore other treatment options with you, such as radiofrequency ablation or minimally invasive surgery.
Why Choose New Jersey Spine Institute for Facet Joint Injections?
When it comes to managing facet joint pain, the New Jersey Spine Institute offers a distinct advantage. Our board-certified spine surgeons, Dr. James Dwyer and Dr. Paul Vessa, bring their expertise in spinal health to each facet joint injection, ensuring that you receive care that goes beyond temporary pain relief. We offer a comprehensive, long-term approach to spine care, helping you return to an active and pain-free life.