When facet joint injections don't relieve pain, there are other strategies you and your doctor can explore to try to find relief. It may be that the pain is not due to a facet joint problem, but rather due to a condition such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. If this is the case, your doctor will work to determine the correct diagnosis in order to find the right treatment for you.Facet joint injections are a non-surgical procedure that involve using an X-ray to identify the joint and injecting anesthetic cortisone into the area. This provides temporary relief, but if it doesn't work, doctors can try a combination of other therapies such as massage therapy, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers.
Depending on the patient, these therapies can make a noticeable difference.If these methods don't work, doctors can try radiofrequency ablation or a medial branch block. A medial branch block is an effective method to determine if the nerves in the facet joint are causing pain. Injections can also provide temporary relief if the problem is actually nerve-related. If a branch lock doesn't work, there's another problem that causes back pain.Doctors can try more tests to get a proper diagnosis.
Talk to a doctor today about the possibility of having your medial branch blocked. Usually, your doctor will recommend more injections if you experience any level of pain control after the first injection.Sacroiliac joint injections are another option for those who experience chronic back or neck pain due to problems such as surgery, trauma, arthritis, or pregnancy. These injections contain pain relievers and a corticosteroid for lasting relief and allow patients to resume daily or work-related functions more easily.Epidural steroid injections are similar to facet joint injections in that they contain pain relievers and a corticosteroid for lasting relief. If you've had sacroiliac joint injections before but didn't get the results you expected, don't be discouraged - there are other treatment options for patients when facet joint injections don't work.Facet joint damage is just one of many problems related to the vertebral column, and a medial branch blockage can confirm the problem.
Facet joint problems or other spinal complications may result from lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise. The fluid inside facet joints can dissipate over time, making the joints stiffer and more susceptible to injury.
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