Facet Joint Injections Specialist in Hattiesburg, MS

Facet joint injections are a medical procedure designed to alleviate pain and diagnose the source of discomfort within the facet joints. Facet joints are the small joints that are located between and behind vertebrae. These joints allow for motion in the spine and are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a lubricating capsule that minimizes friction. 

However, due to injury, illness, or wear and tear, these joints can become inflamed and painful, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. By injecting a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the facet joint, these injections can both diagnose the source of pain and provide significant pain relief.

The procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return to their usual activities shortly after. Facet joint injections are considered when patients experience chronic back or neck pain that presents severely or interferes with daily functions. 

This treatment is part of a broader pain management strategy devised alongside specialists at Southern Care Anesthetics that may include physical therapy, exercises, and medication to ensure long-term relief and improved function.

A facet joint injection is administered not only to relieve pain but also as a diagnostic test to identify the facet joints as the source of discomfort. This procedure is beneficial for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain attributed to damage to the lumbar facet joints. 

The decision to proceed with a facet joint injection is made after a thorough assessment, which includes a detailed medical history review, physical examination, and possibly imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to evaluate the health and condition of the facet joints. 

Facet joint injections may be performed when pain does not improve with conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy, or when there is a need to pinpoint the exact source of spinal pain for further treatment options.

During a facet joint injection procedure, patients will undergo a series of steps to ensure safety and effectiveness. Initially, patients are positioned and the injection site is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using imaging guidance, a needle is precisely inserted into the targeted facet joint. 

A contrast dye may be used in some cases, to confirm the needle’s placement within the joint before the injection of medication. The entire process typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a short monitoring period to assess the patient’s response to the medication. Patients might experience immediate pain relief due to the anesthetic, with longer-term relief from the corticosteroid occurring in the following days. Patients may be instructed to have someone drive them home if sedation or medication is used during the procedure. 

There are limited post-procedure instructions, however, it is important to adhere to the ones provided by the specialists at Southern Care Anesthetics. These may involve avoiding overly strenuous physical activities and more. 

Contacting a pain management center like Southern Care Anesthetics should be considered when experiencing chronic or severe pain that disrupts daily life, does not improve with home remedies, or is accompanied by other symptoms. 

Being proactive in seeking a diagnosis and treatment can lead to a customized and holistic treatment plan aimed at addressing the root cause of the pain. This approach helps avoid the broad range of adverse health outcomes associated with untreated pain, including physical and mental health issues. 

If, after receiving a facet joint injection or any other pain management treatment, you experience significant side effects, no improvement in your condition, or if your pain worsens, it is important to contact the pain management center promptly. 

The goal of contacting the center is not only to address immediate concerns but also to adjust treatment plans as necessary to ensure effective pain relief and improved quality of life.

Facet joint injections are available at Southern Care Anesthetics. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 4 Willow Point Ste 1B Hattiesburg, MS 39402. We serve patients from Hattiesburg MS, Petal MS, Barrontown MS, Oak Grove MS, West Hattiesburg MS, and surrounding areas.