Facet Joint Radiofrequency Ablations

What is a Facet Joint? 

Facet joints are the “cushions” located at the back of each vertebra on your spinal cord. Facet joints allow you to bend forward and backward without twisting like a reptile. When injured, or degenerated with arthritis of the spine, they can cause moderate to severe back or neck pain. Sometimes pain can travel to the buttock area from the back and to upper shoulder blade area from the neck. Facet joint syndrome is one of the common outcomes when facet joints are injured and is caused by cartilage in the joints wearing down or with aging process the arthritis is developed.

What is a Facet Joint Radiofrequency Ablation? 

A facet joint radiofrequency ablation is a type of treatment for people with chronic pain due to facet joint injury. This procedure uses radio waves at high frequency to block pain signals reaching to the brain. It is done using x-ray floroscopy to appropriately by placing a needle adjacent to the nerves. The procedure is done with mild sedation and as an outpatient in-office or at a surgerycenter.

During your appointment at Arora Pain Clinic, the Doctor would discuss with you whether this type of treatment is right for you.