Lumbar Facet Pain
(Back Pain)
Arthritis of the spine is an inevitable part of aging.
Low back arthritis (facet arthritis) accounts for a significant amount of low back pain. The pain is often worsened by twisting the back, stretching and bending. Getting out of a chair and standing at the sink or for a conversation are also often bothersome.
Facet joints are designed to allow movement between each vertebrae. Pain from the facet joints is primarily noticed in the low back. However, significant symptoms in one or both legs can be seen on occasion.
Treatment of Lumbar Facet Pain can involve anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, bracing (link aspen brace) or radiofrequency treatment. Lumbar Facet Radiofrequency Denervation (link) requires the performance of medial branch nerve blocks (link) in order to confirm the diagnosis of facet pain before the treatment can be considered. However, success rates are high if the diagnosis is confirmed with two sets of diagnostic injections.
Pre Injections Instructions
If you are anxious about your procedure, sedation can be provided.
If you choose this option you must meet the following criteria:
01
Come to your appointment with a responsible adult driver.
02
Fast for at least 6-8 hours prior to our appointment time. Morning medications can be taken with a sip of water no later than 2 hours prior to you appointment time. Exceptions may include diabetic medications, in this case please call the office for specific instructions.
03
If you are taking blood thinners or supplements, we may ask that you discontinue them prior to your procedure. Never stop these medications without approval from the physician prescribing them.
If you are taking blood thinners your pain physician may ask they be discontinued prior to injection. Never stop these medications without permission from the physician prescribing them. Please call our office if your blood thinner is not listed:
- Acenocoumarol
- Agggrenox
- Aggrastat
- Arixtra
- Aspirin
- Brilinta
- Edoxaparin
- Effient
- Eliquis
- Heparin
- Integrilin
- Lovenox
- Pentoxil
- Plavix
- Pletal
- Pradaxa
- ReoPro
- Ticlid
- Warfarin/Coumadin
- Xarelto
If you are taking any supplements such as Fish Oil, Garlic, Ginseng, Vitamin A&E, Ginger, Kava Kava, Clove, White Willow bark, or Gingko please stop these 7 days prior to your procedure.
Start the Path Towards Healing
Our physicians offer diagnostic testing, fluoroscopic guided procedures and steroid injections. Our goal is to restore function of damaged joints, nerves, and muscles to treat low back, neck, and other pain. Our mission is to have all patients living their lives with minimal pain and to meet each of our patients’ needs with the highest quality care. We offer innovative solutions utilizing the latest, minimally invasive technologies.