Epidural vs. Facet Injections: Know the Differences
Do you have chronic back pain? If so, you may consider epidural injections or facet joint injections as treatment options. Facet joint injections involve injecting medication into the facet joints of the spine, while epidural injections inject medication into the epidural space surrounding the spine.
Read more: A quick guide to facet joint injections.
While both treatments require the insertion of needles around the spine, they have different functions and effects. Read on to learn the differences between epidural injections and facet joint injections.
What are facial injections and how do they work?
Facet joint injections are a type of steroid injection used to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints of the spine. Injections include corticosteroid medications and anesthetics injected directly into the target area. This targeted approach helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain in specific areas without affecting other areas of the body.
After the injection, it helps reduce inflammation and relax the muscles, helping to relieve pain. Pain relief from facet joint injections can last for weeks or months, depending on the severity of the condition. Some conditions treated with facet joint injections include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondyloarthritis, and facet joint syndrome.
What is an epidural injection and how does it work?
Epidural steroid injections are used to relieve inflammation and pain in the spine caused by a range of different conditions. These injections use a combination of corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone or triamcinolone) and a local anesthetic to treat inflammation of the epidural space (the area surrounding the spinal cord). Steroids help reduce inflammation, while narcotics relieve pain. The contents of the injection are delivered through a needle inserted into the epidural space in the lower back.
The purpose of these injections is to reduce pain and inflammation so people can resume daily activities and manage the condition with less pain. It’s important to note that epidural steroid injections do not treat the main causes of spinal disease or injury.
Which one should you choose?
The type of injection appropriate for your pain management needs depends on the source, location, and severity of the pain. Your doctor will examine you and recommend the most appropriate option based on their findings. Both epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from chronic neck or back pain. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which injection is best for you:
- Epidural steroid injections are more effective at relieving pain in the lower back and legs, while facet joint injections target specific areas of the spine.
- Epidural anesthesia is often the first choice for patients with pain radiating to their extremities.
- Facet joint injections are better suited for people who have localized pain in specific areas of the spine.
- An epidural can provide longer-lasting relief, and facet joint injections can be repeated more frequently if necessary.
Your doctor will work with you to determine the best injection for your specific situation. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and your doctor will help guide you toward optimal recovery outcomes and comfort.
Call Illinois Pain and Spine Institute for the best facet joint injections in Chicago. Facet joint and epidural injections are pain relief treatments used to relieve pain in the back, neck, and lower limbs.
Facet joint injections are typically injected directly into the facet joint to provide targeted local relief in cases of facet joint arthritis pain.
