This procedure is used to treat mechanical arthritic pain related to small joints on the posterior aspect of the spine called the facet joints, or zygoapophyseal joints. Facet joint pain is a common source of disability causing chronic neck pain in 55% of people and chronic low back pain in 15–41% of people. In addition to joint degeneration, it is also commonly caused from poor posture, scoliosis, and trauma such as whiplash or falls. To improve pain coming from the facet joints we utilized x-ray guided intra-articular injections of anti-inflammatory cortisone and anesthetic working to decrease pain and inflammation allowing for improved mobility.
Sometimes the degree of joint disease is severe however, and more aggressive intervention is necessary (see radiofrequency ablation).