Facet injections, also known as facet joint injections or facet blocks, are medical procedures involving the injection of medications into the facet joints of the spine. Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae on both sides of the spine, and they can be a source of pain, especially in conditions like arthritis or mechanical issues within the spine. Facet injections serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Common Types of Facet Injections:
Diagnostic Facet Joint Injections:
Purpose: Used to determine whether a specific facet joint is the source of pain.
Procedure: A local anaesthetic is injected into the facet joint, temporarily numbing the joint to assess if it is the origin of pain.

Medial Branch Block:
Purpose: Diagnostic procedure targeting the medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints.

Procedure: Local anaesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves to determine if pain relief is achieved, helping identify the specific facet joint causing discomfort.

Facet Joint Injections with Steroids:
Purpose: Therapeutic injections to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in cases of facet joint arthritis or irritation.

Procedure: A mixture of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid is injected directly into the facet joint to Dr. Tushar's clinic pain and inflammation.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Rhizotomy: Purpose: A more long-term treatment that uses heat to disrupt the function of the medial branch nerves, providing extended pain relief.

Procedure: Radiofrequency energy is applied to the nerves, creating a lesion and interrupting the transmission of pain signals from the facet joints.

Indications for Facet Injections: Facet Joint Pain: Used to diagnose and treat pain arising from the facet joints, often due to arthritis or mechanical issues in the spine.

Chronic Low Back Pain: Facet injections are commonly used for managing chronic low back pain.
Benefits:
Pain Relief: Facet injections can provide effective pain relief, both diagnostically and therapeutically.
Improved Function: Reduction of pain can contribute to improved function and mobility.

Considerations:
Temporary Discomfort: Patients may experience temporary discomfort during or after the injection.
Potential Risks: Risks include infection, bleeding, or nerve injury, although these are rare.

Post-Procedure
Monitoring: Patients are monitored for a brief period post-injection to assess the effectiveness of pain relief.

Rest and Activity: Rest and limited activity may be recommended for a short period after the procedure.

Facet injections are typically performed by pain management specialists, such as Dr. Tushar, and are part of a comprehensive approach to managing spine-related pain. The choice of injection type depends on the specific condition and symptoms of the patient. As with any medical procedure, individuals considering facet injections should discuss their unique situation with Dr. Tushar, addressing any questions or concerns they may have.