Lumbar Facet Joint Block

A Lumber Facet Joint Block involves injecting a local anesthetic into one or more of the facet joints in the lower part of the back. A facet joint is a small joint located along the side of each vertebrae in the spinal cord, and in the lumbar spine (lower back) are aligned in a way to allow flexion and extension (leaning forward and backward) but limit rotation. Usually physicians perform Facet Joint Blocks on patients that experience pain in their lower back as a result of arthtitic changes or because of mechanical back pain. Pain specialists can use this treatment to diagnose whether or not pain is coming from this area or to reduce pain that has already been diagnosed.