1 Farrer Park Station Road, #08-14, Farrer Park Hospital (Connexion), Singapore 217562
Welcome to Chiropractor of Losangle !
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Call for help: (+1800) 456 7890
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ALLEVIATE PAIN CLINIC
We see patients with a variety of Pain-related conditions.
Facet Joints
Facet joints, also known as zygapophyseal joints, are small, paired joints that connect the vertebrae in your spine. They provide structure and enable controlled movement, allowing the spine to bend and twist. Located on each side of the vertebrae, facet joints link the superior articular process of one vertebra to the inferior articular process of the vertebra above or below.
These joints are lined with cartilage, which cushions the surfaces, and are filled with synovial fluid that helps with lubrication. They are enclosed in a joint capsule, providing both stability and flexibility. The alignment and orientation of facet joints differ throughout the spine, contributing to the varying range of motion in the neck, upper back, and lower back regions.
Facet joints are essential for supporting a wide range of spinal movements like flexion, extension, and rotation. However, they can also become a source of pain and dysfunction when conditions such as facet joint syndrome, osteoarthritis, or spinal stenosis cause inflammation, degeneration, or injury.
How Is Facet Joint Pain Diagnosed?
Facet joint pain typically manifests as a localized ache or sharp discomfort, often felt in the lower back (lumbar area) or neck (cervical area), depending on which facet joints are affected. This pain may radiate to surrounding areas like the buttocks, hips, or shoulders.
Diagnosing facet joint pain generally involves a combination of medical history, a physical examination, and imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans). However, it's important to note that radiographic findings may show facet joint degeneration or arthritis even in patients who do not have symptoms. The most reliable way to confirm facet joint pain is through a diagnostic medial branch block, a procedure that helps determine whether the facet joints are the primary pain source.
How Is Facet Joint Pain Treated?
When facet joint pain is first experienced, conservative treatments are typically recommended. This may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or physical therapy to enhance mobility, strengthen muscles, and alleviate discomfort.
If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief and facet joint dysfunction is suspected, a diagnostic medial branch block can be performed. This procedure helps confirm the facet joints as the source of the pain.
Once facet joint involvement is confirmed, your doctor may suggest a more targeted treatment called radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RFA involves using heat to disrupt the nerves transmitting pain signals from the facet joints, providing longer-lasting pain relief.
What Is a Medial Branch Block?
A medial branch block is a diagnostic injection used to confirm whether facet joints are the source of back or neck pain. During this procedure, a small amount of local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves, which carry pain sensations from the facet joints. If the injection provides temporary pain relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of the discomfort. A medial branch block is a diagnostic injection used to confirm whether facet joints are the source of back or neck pain. During this procedure, a small amount of local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves, which carry pain sensations from the facet joints. If the injection provides temporary pain relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of the discomfort.
How Does Medial Branch RFA Differ from a Block?
The medial branch block is primarily a diagnostic tool. It provides short-term pain relief, typically lasting from a few hours to several days, helping to identify whether the facet joints are the cause of your pain. In contrast, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a therapeutic procedure designed to provide long-term relief. During an RFA, a needle is inserted near the medial branch nerves under X-ray guidance, and a radiofrequency current is applied to generate heat. This heat effectively "burns" the nerve, preventing it from transmitting pain signals to the brain. As a result, many patients experience significant pain reduction or even complete relief for several months to years.
What Are the Side Effects of Medial Branch RFA?
Medial branch radiofrequency ablation is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for facet joint pain. However, like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks. Common side effects include:
- Temporary increase in pain around the injection site, lasting up to two weeks as the body heals
- Skin sensations such as tingling or numbness, which may last for several weeks
- Bleeding or infection at the injection site (rare)
- Nerve damage, although this is an extremely rare occurrence
