What are Thoracic Facet Joint Injections?
Facet joints are small joints present between the vertebral bones including the vertebral bones of the thorax (upper back). The bones in these joints are covered by cartilage and a capsule filled with synovial fluid surrounds the joint reducing friction. Thoracic facet joints can be affected by injury, mechanical stress or arthritis causing pain in the mid-back, chest and rarely the arms.
Facet joint injections are administered to relieve pain originating in the facet joints. They usually contain corticosteroids combined with a small amount of local anaesthesia. Corticosteroids or simply steroids are synthetic drugs that reduce pain and inflammation by decreasing the activity of the immune system. Thoracic facet joint injections are administered into the joint under the guidance of X-ray imaging to ensure an appropriate concentration of the medication at the precise target.
Thoracic facet joint injections are indicated when conservative treatments for back pain such as anti-inflammatory medications, rest, back braces and physical therapy are unsuccessful. It can be used to both diagnose and treat pain and inflammation related to the thoracic facet joints.
Thoracic facet joint injections may not be recommended by your doctor if you are:
The procedure includes the following steps:
Following the procedure you will spend some time in the recovery area and will then be discharged to home. You will need someone to drive you home. You will have some pain for a few days after the procedure which can be managed by application of an ice pack. Once the medications start taking effect you should experience significant reduction in pain and inflammation enabling you to return to your daily activities.
Possible complications related to the procedure include: