ASRA Pain Medicine Update

Consensus Practice Guidelines on Interventions for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain from a Multispecialty, International Working Group

From Cohen S, Bhaskar A, Bhatia A, et al. Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for lumbar facet joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2020; 45:424-67. doi:10.1136/rapm-2019-101243

The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of lumbar facet blocks and radiofrequency ablation to treat low back pain, yet nearly all aspects of the procedures remain controversial. This guideline is based on input from a multisociety committee of experts who reached consensus on 17 topical questions about the procedures. Evidence-based pain medicine should include consideration of the best-available research and take into account clinical experience and expertise, as well as patient values and preferences.

Read the guidelines here.