Facet Joint Injections & Medial Branch Blocks

Understanding Facet Joints

Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae in your spine. When these joints become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or degenerative changes, they can cause significant localized pain and stiffness.

What Are Facet Joint Injections?

Facet joint injections deliver a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid medication directly into the affected joint. This procedure serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, helping identify the pain source while providing relief.

Medial Branch Blocks Explained

Medial branch blocks target the small nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints. By temporarily blocking these nerves with local anesthetic, we can determine if your facet joints are the source of your pain. If successful, this procedure may lead to radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.

These Injections Effectively Address:

The Procedure Process

Performed under fluoroscopic guidance for accuracy, these injections are outpatient procedures requiring only local anesthesia. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, experiencing minimal discomfort. The entire process typically takes 15–30 minutes.

Benefits and Results

Pain relief may be immediate from the anesthetic component, while the steroid medication provides longer-term relief over the following days. Results can last from several weeks to several months, and the procedure can be repeated as necessary.

Why Choose Riceland Healthcare?

At Riceland Healthcare, our interventional pain specialists utilize the latest techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. Schedule your appointment today to explore whether facet joint injections or medial branch blocks are right for you.