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Thoracic Facet Injection

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What are Thoracic Facet Joints?

Thoracic facet joints are small joints approximately the size of a thumbnail.  They are located on the back of your mid-spine and allow more stability and guide the motion in the neck and mid-back.  Injuries or wear and tear can become a point of discomfort.  Pain can be felt in the back, chest, abdomen, or rib area when the thoracic facet joint is affected.  Pain can be worse when holding a fixed position for long periods of time or extending your spine.

What is Thoracic Facet Injection?

Under a fluoroscopy or x-ray, an injection is made into the joint to numb the area.  The two main reasons to perform a thoracic facet injection, also known as a thoracic facet joint nerve block, is to give temporary relief to the affected area by targeting the joint with numbing medication consisting of anesthetic and cortisone or steroid.  While giving you a reprieve from the pain it also allows a physical therapist or chiropractor to treat the affected area without the additional pain.  In some cases, the injection will provide enough relief that a visit to a physical therapist or chiropractor is not necessary.  Depending on the number of affected areas, one injection can last several months and in some instances it can bring long-term pain relief.  If there are injuries to multiple areas, one injection may only provide relief to some of the symptoms.

There may be complications with a thoracic facet injection as any invasive medical procedure.  The complications that may arise are pain in the injection area, an allergic reaction, infection and bleeding.  If any of these symptoms occur after the procedure, consult a physician immediately.

Thoracic Epidural Injection

Another form of treatment for the thoracic facet joints is a thoracic epidural injection.  To understand this form of treatment, it is important to be aware of the muscles, tissues and ligaments around the spine and in particular, the nerves and nerve roots. Nerve roots extend to the nerves.  Nerves allow us to experience sensation and movement both with the body as well as vital organs.  The dural membrane covers the nerve roots. 

The area around the dural membrane is known as the epidural space. It is through this space that nerves travel to form the nerves along your ribs. If the nerve roots become inflamed, pain may be felt in the mid-back or thoracic region, along the ribs, chest or abdomen area.

The purpose of a thoracic epidural injection is to provide an anti-inflammatory medication in the epidural space. This is to stop the inflammation of the nerve roots, thus resulting in a decrease in pain in the affected areas.

Typically, patients suffering from pain in the thoracic area, will improve function to these nerves as well as experience lesser amounts of pain within a few days. Some patients actually experience permanent pain relief from the epidural injection because it allows the area to heal as the area is no longer inflamed.