This service is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing pain due to spinal injury, mechanical stress, or arthritis. The following is a comprehensive overview of facet joint injections in Louisiana, from the medication used to the procedure itself.

Facet joint injections target the facet joints, small joints at each segment of the spine that provide stability and guide motion. When these joints become painful, facet joint injections offered by Lousiana Medical Clinic can help alleviate this discomfort, improving patient mobility and quality of life.

The efficacy of our facet joint injections in Louisiana lies in the combination of medications used. We inject a local anesthetic and a steroid medication directly into the facet joint or medial branch. The local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the steroid decreases inflammation, working together to provide sustained anti-inflammatory effects.

The duration of pain relief following facet joint injections in Louisiana can vary among patients. Some may experience relief for several months, while others may find relief for a shorter period. To maintain pain relief, these injections can be repeated three times per year according to guidelines.

To ensure a successful procedure, patients preparing for facet joint injections at Louisiana Medical Clinic are guided through specific preparation guidelines. These may include fasting for a certain period prior to the procedure if Versed is used. 

Additionally, patients may need to temporarily discontinue certain medications or supplements that could interfere with the procedure. Prior to receiving facet joint injections at Louisiana Medical Clinic, a pain management specialist will provide you with detailed instructions to help you properly prepare for the procedure.

During the facet joint injection procedure, patients lie on an examination table in a comfortable position. The skin over the injection site is cleaned and sterilized before a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area. Using fluoroscopy, a pain specialist gently guides a needle into the facet joint or medial branch. 

Once the needle is positioned correctly, a combination of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected. The process is quick, and patients can typically return home shortly after the procedure. It is common for patients to feel relief from their pain immediately, but it may take a few days to experience the full effects.

Medial Branch Block (MBB) injections are a diagnostic tool used to help determine the best treatment for back pain. Unlike facet joint injections, MBBs are not intended to alleviate pain directly. Instead, they serve to help pinpoint whether the facet joints are indeed the source of discomfort.

These injections are administered using the same process as facet joint injections, using fluoroscopy and local anesthetic. However, MBBs are injected outside of the facet joint, close to the medial nerve. This injection temporarily blocks pain signals from the medial nerves to more accurately determine the source of pain. This streamlined approach, particularly used for patients aged 35 and older, enables a direct path to diagnosis, potentially bypassing the need for repeated facet joint injections.

If patients experience relief after an MBB, this indicates the facet joints or medial branch nerve is likely the source of pain and may require further treatment such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting relief.

At LMC, we are committed to offering comprehensive and effective interventional pain management techniques, including facet joint injections for Louisiana patients. Our expert team ensures each patient receives personalized care, guiding them through the entire process from preparation to recovery. Call 225-292-1969 or contact us online to learn more about our services and how we can help you manage your pain.