At Specialty Medical Center, we understand the impact of chronic spinal pain on your daily life. Our team is dedicated to providing effective, minimally invasive solutions like facet joint blocks to help you regain your quality of life.

Facet joints are small but essential structures between the vertebrae in the spine that help facilitate movement and provide stability. When these joints become inflamed or irritated due to conditions like arthritis, injury, or degeneration, they can cause significant pain. A facet joint block is a procedure designed to diagnose and manage this pain effectively.

The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the affected joint. The anesthetic temporarily numbs the area, helping to pinpoint the pain source. If relief follows, it confirms that the facet joint is the cause of the pain. The corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation, offering extended pain relief and improved mobility, tailored to the patient’s unique response.

Facet joint blocks are especially helpful for patients with conditions such as spinal osteoarthritis, lumbar or cervical facet syndrome, and post-operative spinal pain. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting using fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise needle placement. It provides immediate pain relief and sustained improvement in joint function and stiffness.

While facet joint blocks are generally safe, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. At each step, the focus remains on personalized care and minimizing any potential risks for the patient.

Our commitment is to provide you with the highest level of care. Our experienced medical professionals use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best outcomes.

Our specialists prioritize providing comprehensive care for spinal pain management, and facet joint blocks are a significant part of our treatment repertoire. These injections play a crucial role in both diagnosing and alleviating pain stemming from the facet joints, offering our patients a pathway to improved mobility and quality of life.

Facet joint blocks are an effective treatment for diagnosing and managing various conditions related to chronic pain, particularly in the spine. These injections address conditions such as facet joint syndrome, osteoarthritis, whiplash injuries, and other pain-related issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Facet Joint Syndrome: Facet joint blocks are used to accurately diagnose and treat facet joint syndrome, which often presents as localized back pain, sometimes radiating to the buttocks or thighs. By pinpointing the source of pain, treatment plans can be tailored to address the root cause effectively.

Management of Arthritis-Related Pain: For patients with osteoarthritis, where cartilage in the facet joints deteriorates, facet joint blocks provide significant relief by reducing inflammation and stiffness, helping to improve mobility and overall daily functioning.

Recovery from Whiplash Injuries: Facet joint blocks are also beneficial for individuals recovering from whiplash injuries, often caused by automobile accidents. By targeting the affected cervical facet joints, these injections reduce neck pain and facilitate a smoother recovery process.

Versatile Pain Management: Facet joint blocks manage a variety of conditions, including:

• Neck Pain: Relief from dull, aching pain that worsens with movement.

• Back Pain: Alleviation of sharp, stabbing pain associated with facet joint inflammation.

• Headaches: Treatment of headaches caused by cervical facet joint issues, such as tension-type headaches or migraines.

• Sciatica: Reduction of sharp, shooting leg pain originating from lower back facet joint inflammation.

Facet joint blocks not only provide therapeutic relief but also serve as a diagnostic tool. By evaluating the patient’s response to the injection, specialists can confirm the source of the pain and develop a precise treatment plan, potentially leading to more advanced interventions.

We offer personalized care and innovative solutions for spinal pain. Our facet joint blocks provide effective, evidence-based treatments for immediate relief and long-term results.

At Specialty Medical Center, we prioritize providing personalized care for our patients experiencing pain related to facet joints. Facet joint blocks are a key component of our diagnostic and therapeutic approach, offering both immediate and longer-term pain relief for conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Facet joint blocks provide immediate relief by delivering a local anesthetic to the affected area, helping to quickly pinpoint the source of pain. The anesthetic offers rapid relief, confirming whether the facet joints are contributing to the discomfort. In addition, the corticosteroid in the injection reduces inflammation, providing longer-lasting pain relief.

The duration of relief varies from patient to patient. Some individuals may experience extended relief, while others might need additional interventions. Factors such as the severity of the condition, underlying causes like osteoarthritis, and individual responses to treatment all play a role in how long the effects last.

Facet joint blocks are often part of a broader pain management plan. This may include physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle recommendations, working together to improve overall quality of life. While facet joint blocks are not a permanent solution, they are an essential component in managing chronic pain effectively. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to treatment strategies are key to maximizing comfort and improving long-term results.

We work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan, considering your response to facet joint blocks and any complementary therapies. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to manage your pain effectively and enhance your overall well-being.

The cost of a facet joint injection can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, type of injection, and the number of injections required. These injections are effective for reducing pain and inflammation in the spine’s cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.

Key factors affecting the cost include the type and number of injections, as well as the healthcare provider’s setting. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient facility, offering convenience while ensuring high-quality care. Advanced imaging techniques may be used to ensure precise placement, and this can also affect the overall cost.

Additional expenses may include fees for pre-procedure consultations, imaging, and any prescribed medications. The total cost can also depend on insurance coverage, as many insurance plans, may cover facet joint injections. For those without insurance, flexible payment options and assistance programs may be available.

At Specialty Medical Center, we are committed to ensuring you have a clear understanding of all financial aspects related to your facet joint injections, aiding in effective preparation and informed decision-making. Contact us today and schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment and payment options. We have convenient locations to serve you in Sterling Heights, MI, and Dearborn, MI. We serve patients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!