Spine is made up of a number of vertebrae stacked one above the other. The vertebrae join with each other at joints called the facet joints. As one ages, they can become painful and stiff as a result of wear and tear or inflammation.
This condition is called facet joint arthritis. Patients generally suffer from a dull ache, heaviness sensation accompanied by stiffness and difficulty in straightening the back. The pain often can often travel to the buttocks and thigh.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain
Pain management specialists focus on holistic management of which injections play a key role. Injections are safe, effective, non-surgical interventions and the options include
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Facet Joint Injections
Facet joints injections involve placing needles close the troublesome joints under x-ray guidance followed by injection of medicines to relieve pain.
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Radiofrequency Treatment
This procedure involves placing special needles under x-ray guidance, close to the nerves carrying the pain sensation. These nerves are then treated using the electric current produced by radio waves.
This reduces the pain signals being transmitted to the brain resulting in pain relief. This procedure can provide prolonged pain relief and does not require hospital stay or prolonged rehabilitation.