Lumbar spine injections are utilized in the assessment and treatment of low back pain. These injection procedures are valuable in determining whether particular structures are the source for low back pain. Pain initiated by lumbar facet joints is characteristically experienced in the lower back, hip, buttock, and/or leg.
Facet joints are tiny joints at each section of the spine that impart stability and facilitate and guide motion. The facet joints can become painful due to arthritis of the spine, a back injury or mechanical strain to the back. The pain relief obtained from a facet joint injection can help the patient tolerate a physical therapy schedule to restore his or her injury or back condition.
Facet joint injections generally have two objectives – to assist with diagnosis and also to impart pain relief. For more details about the specific procedures involved, please see PDF files below.
