Lumbar Facet Blocks

Lumbar Spondylosis is an arthritic, degenerative condition which affects the low back, also known as the lumbar spine. The moveable joint at each lumbar level is known as a facet joint. The facet joint is innervated by nerves, blood supply, and has synovial fluid, rendering them true moveable joints.

When a patient has spondylosis, these facet joints become degenerative and extra poor bone growth over these joints leads not only to their immobility, but it also compresses the nerves in the joints. This can be very painful both in the low back as well as into the legs occasionally down to the knees.

Spondylosis responds well to osteopathic manipulation as well as mobility therapies. If the spondylosis is painful to the point of interfering with normal activities of daily living, a procedure called facet blocks will be set up and performed. This involves using a live feed x-ray called fluoroscope and your doctor injects each affected joint with a combination of anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory is not always a cortisone, however, it may be. This will be decided between you and your doctor.

Following the procedure, no lifting, bending, twisting for 24 hours is recommended. There may initially be some increased pain following the procedure. This generally is no concern, and is cause by the injection itself and is temporary. An over the counter NSAID such as Naprosyn, Alleve or Motrin may be used. If NSAIDS are contraindicated, Tylenol is also helpful. Ice the region if it is painful. You will follow up with your doctor in one week.
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Lumbar Facet Blocks

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