Epidural Injections vs. Facet Joint Injections

Non-Surgical Treatments for Spinal Problems

Chronic pain in your body can make your life quite devastating. Conditions such as disc herniation, degenerative discs, spinal stenosis, and annular tear can cause intense pain, weakness, and discomfort to your back, thigh, legs, or buttocks.

If you suffer from such intense pain, you are likely searching for the best pain management solution. Spine surgery is hazardous and can cause irreversible damage to your nerves and spinal system.

The good news is that there are other effective yet non-invasive methods you can opt for. Epidural and facet joint injections are the most recommended non-surgical options for patients suffering from chronic pain.

What are Epidural Injections?

Epidural injections are used globally to manage lower back or lower extremity pain. Traditionally, the physician recommends the treatment for managing neck, back, leg, or arm pain. The pain is caused by conditions such as:

• Disc herniation
• Annular tear
• Degenerative changes
• Compression fracture
• Spinal stenosis

The treatment contain a potent corticosteroid that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. After injection, you will note reduced swelling. Consequently, the drug relieves local and referred pain.

Additionally, epidural injections can be useful in identifying the root cause of pain. A specialist precisely injects a nerve root or nerve and discovers the exact point of injury or inflammation.

What are Facet Joint Injections?

The facet joints are small connections located in the spine’s bones—nerve roots in the spine pass through these joints. The primary role of the joints is to allow your spine to move or twist.

Facet joint injections’ main role is to deliver anesthetic or steroids medications to the spine. The injections must be strictly performed under anesthesia. 

A physician uses these types of injections for therapeutic and diagnostic reasons to manage pain resulting from arthritic or degenerative conditions on the facet joints. In most cases, facet joint injections are indicated in the following conditions:

• Arthritis affecting the facet joints
• Joint pain or neck pain
• Facet joint syndrome

What is the difference between epidural injections and facet joint injections?

Epidural injections primarily treat pain that radiates from the spine to other parts such as the back, arm, or leg. It is useful in managing pain that occurs due to a specific nerve being inflamed or pinched.

Facet joint injections, on the other hand, treat pain around the facet joints. Mainly the injections are indicated for patients with pain that occurs due to arthritis conditions, degenerative discs, or injury to the facet joints.

Book an appointment at Southeast Pain & Spine Care

Don’t let chronic pain make your life miserable. We have specialists with vast experience in epidural injections and facet joint injections. The non-surgical methods are the most recommended in managing chronic back, buttock, leg, or neck pain. The efficacy of the injections is guaranteed and will alleviate the stubborn pain instantly. Contact us to book an appointment with our specialists.