Facet Joint Injection

Chronic back pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, spinal degeneration, or injury to the facet joints. Facet joints, which are located along the spine, can become inflamed or irritated, resulting in pain that can radiate through the back, neck, and sometimes the legs. If you are struggling with persistent back pain, a Facet Joint Injection may offer significant relief. Dr. Vadim Lipel, a trusted pain management specialist in Encino, California, offers this effective, minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

What is a Facet Joint Injection?

A Facet Joint Injection is a procedure where a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication are injected directly into the facet joints in the spine. Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae that allow for flexibility and movement in the spine. When these joints become inflamed due to conditions such as arthritis, injury, or degenerative disc disease, they can cause significant pain in the back, neck, or even radiating to the legs.

The Facet Joint Injection targets the affected joints to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with more comfort and ease.

Benefits of Facet Joint Injection

• Pain Relief: The primary benefit of a Facet Joint Injection is the reduction of inflammation and pain around the affected facet joints, leading to significant relief from chronic back and neck pain.
• Improved Functionality: By reducing pain, many patients experience improved range of motion and flexibility, allowing them to resume normal activities without discomfort.
• Non-Surgical Treatment: Facet Joint Injections provide a non-invasive treatment option for those with facet joint-related pain, helping patients avoid surgery while still addressing the underlying issue.
• Quick Procedure with Minimal Downtime: The injection procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed in an outpatient setting. Most patients can return to their normal routine with little to no downtime after the procedure.

How the Procedure Works

Dr. Vadim Lipel performs the Facet Joint Injection using a precise, minimally invasive technique. The procedure typically begins with local anesthesia to numb the injection site, ensuring the patient’s comfort during the process. In many cases, Dr. Lipel uses fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) to guide the needle to the exact location of the affected facet joint, ensuring precision and accuracy.

Once the needle is in place, a combination of a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is injected directly into the facet joint. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid works to reduce inflammation over time, offering longer-term relief from pain.

What to Expect After the Injection

Following a Facet Joint Injection, many patients experience immediate relief from pain due to the local anesthetic. However, the full benefits of the corticosteroid medication may take a few days to become apparent. Some patients may experience temporary soreness or an increase in pain initially, but this is often short-lived. Dr. Lipel will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize any discomfort.

Is a Facet Joint Injection Right for You?

Facet Joint Injections are particularly beneficial for patients suffering from pain caused by:

• Facet joint arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Injury to the facet joints
• Chronic back or neck pain that has not responded to conservative treatments

If you have persistent back or neck pain that is affecting your quality of life and haven’t found relief from other treatments, a Facet Joint Injection may be an effective option for you. Dr. Vadim Lipel will evaluate your condition and determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you based on your symptoms and medical history.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re dealing with chronic back or neck pain and are looking for a non-surgical treatment option, a Facet Joint Injection may be just what you need. Dr. Vadim Lipel’s experience in pain management and his commitment to providing personalized care make him an excellent choice for those seeking relief. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discover how this treatment can help improve your quality of life.