Facet Joint & Nerve Injections

A facet joint is the space between two vertebrae of the spine that are separated by a thin layer of cartilage. An abnormality or inflammation of these joints may cause low back pain.

In back pain cases where the joint itself is the pain generator, a joint or nerve injection (also called a "facet block" or "Z-joint injection") can be performed to alleviate the pain.

Similar to nerve blocks, block injections are a diagnostic tool used to isolate and confirm the specific source of back pain. Additionally, these blocks have a therapeutic effect as they numb the source of pain and soothe associated inflammation.

Facet joints are paired joints in the back that have opposing surfaces of cushioning tissue (cartilage) between the bones. Rotational (i.e., twisting) injuries can cause damage to one or both of a vertabra's joints. Cartilage degeneration associated with aging may also cause pain.

In a block procedure, a physician uses fluoroscopy (xray imaging) to guide the needle into the joint cavity to inject a numbing agent and/or an anti-inflammatory medication. If the patient’s pain goes away after the injection, it can be inferred that the pain generator is the specific joint capsule that has just been injected.

If the procedure is effective in alleviating the patient's pain, it is often considered reasonable for the procedure to be done multiple times.

We Can Help
The physicians at the Pain Management Center are board-certified pain management practitioners fluent with the use of the latest fluoroscopic techniques to deliver soothing pain medication to exactly where it will result in maximum relief.

If you or a loved one is experiencing chronic back pain, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500