SOLUTIONS FOR LOW BACK PAIN
Low back pain is a common issue that can significantly impact daily life, especially when it doesn’t respond to traditional treatments like epidural injections. For those experiencing non-radiating neck or lower back pain, facet joint dysfunction might be the culprit. These small joints in the spine can become inflamed or arthritic with age, leading to discomfort. Lumbar facet joint injections and lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can offer relief.
LUMBAR FACET VS. LUMBAR MBB/RFA INJECTIONS
Are you still experiencing low back pain after epidurals? If the pain is non-radiating, it could come from your spine’s facet joints. These small joints help with stability and movement but can become arthritic and inflamed, causing pain, especially as you age. Lumbar facet joint injections and lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are two common treatments. This blog will explore who may need these treatments and why.
HOW IS IT DONE?
Facet Joint Injections: Local anesthetic and steroid are injected into affected joints for pain relief.
Medial Branch Block (MBB) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): MBB involves blocking the small nerves that provide sensation to facet joints. If successful, RFA uses heat to destroy these nerves for long-term relief.
WHO MIGHT NEED ONE?
- Spine pain worsens with inactivity or movement
- Non-radiating neck or back pain
- Pain triggered by specific physical exam maneuvers
- Conditions like spondylosis, osteoarthritis, facet hypertrophy, spondylolisthesis, or synovial cysts
WHEN TO CONSIDER ONE
If pain persists for over six weeks and other treatments (like activity modifications, NSAIDs, or physical therapy) haven’t worked, contact a pain management provider if:
- Pain limits daily activities
- You want to delay surgery
- Pain is localized to your spine without radiating to arms or legs
WHAT TO EXPECT
Patients check in, meet with nursing, anesthesia, and the doctor, then undergo the procedure in a sterile environment with fluoroscopic guidance. Afterward, they recover before being discharged.
A VISIT WITH AVALA PAIN
Living with persistent back pain can be challenging, but understanding the source of the pain and knowing your treatment options is key to finding relief. Whether it’s through lumbar facet joint injections or medial branch radiofrequency ablation, these minimally invasive procedures can help manage pain and improve quality of life. If other conservative treatments haven’t worked for you, it might be time to discuss these options with a pain management specialist and take the next step toward relief.
