Facet blocks are minimally invasive procedures used for diagnosing and treating chronic back or neck pain caused by facet arthropathy – arthritis in the facet joints of the spine. During the procedure, the patient lies prone on a table. The injection site is sterilized, and a needle is guided into the facet joint using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging). A contrast dye is injected to confirm proper needle placement, followed by a local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine, bupivacaine) injected into or near the facet joint.

If significant pain relief is achieved after a facet block, facet arthropathy can be diagnosed as the source of pain. Facet blocks provide temporary pain relief by disrupting the nerve signals from the affected facet joints. If greater than 80% pain relief is achieved after two facet blocks, the physician may recommend radiofrequency ablation (nerve destruction) as a treatment option to provide longer-lasting relief, typically lasting 6-9 months.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative treatment option for various spinal conditions. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. These platelets play a crucial role in the body’s natural healing process by releasing proteins that promote tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into the affected area of the spine, the concentrated platelets release growth factors that can:

1. Reduce inflammation and pain in the spinal region
2. Stimulate the formation of new intervertebral disc tissue and cartilage
3. Increase production of natural lubricants for smoother spinal movement
4. Alter pain receptors, diminishing the sensation of pain

PRP injections are an outpatient procedure that delivers a high concentration of healing platelets directly into the affected spinal area. Many patients experience:

• Decreased back pain and improved spinal mobility
• Potential to delay or avoid spinal surgery
• Faster recovery from spinal injuries or degenerative conditions