Southern Interventional Pain Center – Your Partners in Pain Relief
Spine pain can significantly affect your quality of life, from interfering with daily activities to limiting mobility and sleep. One common but often overlooked cause of spine pain is facet arthropathy, a degenerative condition affecting the facet joints of the spine. Fortunately, advanced treatments like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections offer promising, minimally invasive solutions for long-term relief.
At Southern Interventional Pain Center, our experienced team offers cutting-edge therapies tailored to your unique needs, helping you reclaim your comfort and function.
What Is Facet Arthropathy?
Facet arthropathy refers to degenerative arthritis of the facet joints — the small joints located between each vertebra in the spine. These joints provide stability and allow flexibility, but over time, they can wear down due to aging, injury, or repetitive strain. When the protective cartilage in these joints deteriorates, inflammation and pain can result.
Facet arthropathy can affect the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), or lumbar spine (lower back). It is a common cause of chronic neck and back pain, especially in older adults.
Symptoms of Facet Arthropathy
- Localized spine pain that worsens with movement
- Stiffness, especially after prolonged sitting or rest
- Referred pain into the buttocks, thighs, or shoulders (depending on location)
- Limited range of motion
- Tenderness over affected joints
Diagnosing Facet Arthropathy
At Southern Interventional Pain Center, diagnosis typically involves:
- Physical examination
- Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans)
- Diagnostic facet joint injections to confirm the source of pain
Treatment Options: RFA and PRP Injections
1. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and disable the small nerves transmitting pain signals from the affected facet joints. This targets the root cause of pain without surgery.
Benefits of RFA:
- Long-lasting relief (often 6-12 months or more)
- Outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time
- Reduces need for pain medications
- Safe and effective for chronic spine pain
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP therapy uses your own blood’s healing components to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. After drawing a small amount of your blood, it is processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the affected facet joints.
Benefits of PRP:
- Natural, regenerative treatment
- May help slow joint degeneration
- Reduces inflammation and stimulates healing
- Minimal risk of side effects
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Every patient is unique. Some may benefit more from RFA, while others may respond well to PRP, or a combination of therapies may be recommended. Our pain management specialists will conduct a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific condition and goals.
Comprehensive Q&A: Facet Arthropathy and Treatment Options
Q: What causes facet arthropathy?
A: The primary cause is wear and tear on the spine’s facet joints due to aging, injury, poor posture, or repetitive stress. Conditions like osteoarthritis can accelerate degeneration.
Q: How is facet arthropathy different from other spine conditions?
A: Unlike herniated discs or spinal stenosis, facet arthropathy specifically involves the joints between vertebrae, leading to joint-related pain and stiffness.
Q: How do I know if I am a candidate for RFA or PRP injections?
A: Candidates typically have chronic spine pain not relieved by conservative measures (rest, physical therapy, medications). A diagnostic injection may be used first to confirm facet joints as the pain source.
Q: What is the recovery time for RFA?
A: Most patients resume normal activities within 1-3 days. Pain relief typically begins within 1-2 weeks.
Q: How soon do PRP injections work?
A: PRP results are gradual, with most patients experiencing improvement within 4-6 weeks, and continued healing for several months.
Q: Are these treatments covered by insurance?
A: RFA is often covered by insurance. PRP may not be covered, depending on your plan, but we can assist with coverage verification and discuss affordable options.
Q: What other treatments can help facet arthropathy?
A: Additional treatments may include physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, or spinal injections. In severe cases, surgical options may be considered.
Regain Control Over Your Spine Pain
If spine pain from facet arthropathy is affecting your life, Southern Interventional Pain Center is here to help. Our experienced and compassionate team offers advanced, non-surgical solutions like RFA and PRP injections to provide lasting relief and improved function.
Contact Us Today
Thomasville Office
📞 Phone: (229) 226-2234
📍 Address: 615 South Hansell Street, Thomasville, GA 31792
Lake City Office
📞 Phone: (386) 361-3400
📍 Address: 619 W Baya Dr, Suite 102, Lake City, FL 32025
Tallahassee Office
📞 Phone: (850) 404-9400
📍 Address: 1931 Welby Way, Suite 4, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Let Southern Interventional Pain Center help you live pain-free and get back to what you love. Call the office nearest you today to schedule a consultation.