Pain-relief injections are a highly effective, nonsurgical way to provide lasting relief for muscle, joint, and nerve pain. Depending on the location and source of your pain, different types of injections may be used to provide relief. Two of the most common and effective treatments are facet blocks and nerve blocks.
Facet Blocks
A facet block is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid that reduces the inflammation in the joint space of the spine. The facet joints are located in the neck, chest, and back at each vertebral level. A medial branch block is similar, but the difference is that the medication is injected outside the facet joint space near the medial branch nerves that supply the joint.
Facet blocks and medial branch blocks are typically ordered for patients who have back pain due to injury, arthritic changes in the facet joints, or stress on the spine.
The injections can be diagnostic as well as therapeutic. For example, if the pain does not disappear as a result of the block, it indicates the pain may be coming from a source other than the treated facet joints. Or, if the pain goes away for a few hours but returns and isn’t any better, it may help rule out steroids as an effective treatment.
Often, the injected steroid has a long-lasting effect on the pain. In these cases, a facet block may be repeated. Another procedure, radiofrequency lesioning, may help ensure relief that could last for years.
Facet joint injections are a common outpatient procedure that usually takes just 10-15 minutes to complete. It is performed under imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or a CT scan, to enable the doctor to better see the area being treated. You may notice your pain subside for a few hours immediately following the injection, due to the injected anesthetic. Then, if the procedure is successful, you’ll notice lasting relief within 48-72 hours.
Nerve Blocks
The type of nerve block performed will depend on the source and location of your pain. Two primary types are:
During the procedure, your pain management doctor will inject a local anesthetic and steroid into the affected area. Immediately after the injection you may notice that your pain has subsided or lessened considerably.
Both types of pain-relief injections, facet blocks and nerve blocks, are safe and have an extremely low risk of complications – especially when compared to surgical alternatives.
Are you tired of taking pain medication every day, only to still be in pain? If you need relief that lasts for weeks or months, we can help. Pain Specialists of Austin helps patients like you every day. To discuss your pain-relief options, call (855) 876-7246 for an appointment today. We have 10 convenient locations in and around the Austin, Texas, area. You can also request an appointment online.
Facet blocking is a treatment created to provide targeted relief for those suffering from debilitating back pain. Spinal facet joints are the small spaces located between the vertebrae of your spine. These articular processes act as stabilizing joints, allowing you to rotate, bend and move. In short, spinal facet joints provide your spine the strength and stability you need to function on a daily basis.
Sometimes though, because of accident or a chronic illness such as spinal arthritis, a facet joint becomes irritated and inflamed. This adds pressure on the bone and nerves, generating intense pain. In these circumstances, a facet block can literally change lives by providing substantial, almost immediate ongoing relief.
After applying a local anesthetic, your doctor will use specialized imaging equipment to locate the exact facet or facets that are causing your pain. Once located, your doctor will perform the facet block using a numbing agent or steroid-based medication to block the pain signals coming from certain body regions. Depending on the number of injections, the medication used, and other factors, facet blocks can provide relief that lasts for days, weeks, even up to a few months. Sometimes multiple injections will be required to provide you relief.
Normally, facet blocks can be performed as often as three times within a six-month period. Your doctor will work with you to determine the schedule and treatment that is right for you. The facet blocks themselves actually take only minutes to perform. Most patients report relief within 48-72 hours following the procedure. Patients are advised to rest for the entire day and will require someone to drive them home after the fact block is performed.
You should also be advised that it is not uncommon to feel some soreness for a day or two after the procedure. Facet blocks have been in use for some time now and have shown very positive outcomes for the vast majority of patients.
If you have been suffering with chronic back pain, you may be a good candidate for facet blocking treatment. At Pain Specialists of Austin, we treat you as a whole person who has a life to get back to. Our only goal is to help you live as pain free as possible.
If you need help managing your pain, or would like more information about facet blocks, nerve stimulation, trigger point injections or any other pain management treatment, please schedule an appointment at one of our 10 conveniently located clinics in the Austin area. Call (855) 876-7246 or request an appointment online today. Pain Specialists of Austin – We know pain, and our specialty is stopping it.