Facet Joint Injection (FJI)
What is a FJI?
A facet joint injection (FJI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints in the spine.
The facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae in the spine that allow for movement and stability. These joints can become inflamed or irritated due to various conditions such as arthritis, injury, or wear and tear, resulting in pain in the neck, back, or limbs.
During a facet joint injection, a small amount of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected directly into the affected joint or joints. The injection can reduce inflammation and provide effective pain relief for several months, allowing patients to resume normal activities and participate in physical therapy if necessary.
By injecting medication directly into the affected joint, our doctors can accurately diagnose the source of the patient’s pain. Because the injections are minimally invasive, they can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means that patients can return home the same day.
Why is Facet Joint Injection Performed?
Pain Relief
Facet joint injections can provide targeted relief from chronic pain caused by arthritis, injury, or spinal degeneration.
The injected medication works directly at the source of inflammation to ease discomfort and improve mobility.
Diagnosis
These injections can help pinpoint the source of your pain.
If your symptoms improve after the injection, it confirms that the facet joints are the likely cause, guiding future treatment options.
Inflammation Reduction
The steroid in a facet joint injection helps reduce inflammation in the joint, which can relieve stiffness and irritation around the affected nerve roots, supporting long-term pain management.
Consult Our Specialists
If you’re struggling with chronic spinal pain, a facet joint injection might be the right solution.
Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.
Benefits of Facet Joint Injections
Effective Pain Management
Provides targeted relief from chronic neck or back pain, reducing the need for long-term pain medications.
Minimally Invasive
A non-surgical option with minimal recovery time, making it suitable for patients seeking less aggressive treatments.
Improved Mobility and Function
Reduces inflammation and stiffness, enhancing flexibility and overall quality of life.