Advanced Orthopedics

Facet joints are located bilaterally between two vertebra in each level posteriorly.  Medial branch nerves carry pain signals from the facet joints. The facet joints become arthritic like any other joint in the body as the patient ages. These could be source pain giving most commonly neck or low back pain. Pain could be in any part of spine.

Blocking these nerves with medications can provide significant pain relief and could last for long time.  These injection are done under x ray guidance to locate the joint. If these injections help these patients can be considered for Radiofrequency ablation[Rhizotomy] for long lasting relief.