Manipulation Under Joint Anesthesia (MUJA) is a procedure that combines two separate treatment approaches for the treatment of spinal problems. By receiving both treatments in short proximity to one another at our facility, the goal of this procedure is to treat both the mechanical and inflammatory component to pain emanating from the spinal joints.

One or more facet joints can become inflamed (swollen or irritated). They can also become mechanically hypo-mobile (locked up or restricted). By addressing both of these components to spinal pain through two separate treatments, combined into one procedure, the goal of MUJA is to decrease symptoms and to get you back to living and enjoying your life.

Facet joint injections is a procedure in which medicine is injected into the spinal joints. One or more facet joints can become inflamed. These injections may relieve pain, and also help in the diagnosis of where the pain in your back is coming from. Recent studies have shown that certain types of manipulation open up, or "gap" the facet joints in the spine, which may explain why relief can be attained after a spinal manipulation procedure.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?

Typical patients have undergone some form of manipulation in the past. whether under the supervision of a chiropractor, osteopath, or physical therapist. Or, they have been accepted as a patient by Dr. Douglas J. Taber, and have undergone a trial of manipulation under his care.

Determination of whether or not you may be a candidate for this procedure is based on a team approach between the health care providers involved in your case. There is no specific diagnostic test that confirms spinal joint pain, but certain findings on imaging (X-Rays, MRI, CT Scans, etc.) may help lead your doctor to this diagnosis.

THE PROCEDURE

The injection will be administered by a pain interventionist, such as an Anesthesiologist, Neuroradiologist, Physiatrist, or Orthopedic Surgeon. The treatment may be performed in a hospital or surgery center, such as The Binghamton Spine Care Center . You'll be asked to fill out some forms, including an informed consent form. You may also be given an IV (intravenous) line for fluids and medications. First the skin over the injection site is cleaned. A local anesthetic (pain medication) numbs the skin. The appropriate spinal joint level is identified and intra-articular injections, using anesthetics, steroids, or both are performed under fluoroscopic guidance in order to provide a diagnosis basis for the procedure.

Once the joint is anesthetized, the patient will undergo a spinal manipulation of the involved area. Passive stretching or manual traction often accompanies the manipulation procedure.

After the procedure most patients can go home within one hour. The anesthetic wears off in a few hours, and when it does, your back may be more sore than usual. This is normal. Take it easy for the rest of the day. The steroids often begin to work in 3-4 days.

You will scheduled for a follow-up visit with Dr. Taber in 5-7 days.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Risks and complications with this procedure are rare, but can include:

Infection

Bleeding

Prolonged increase in pain

Nerve damage (very rare)

INSURANCE COVERAGE

MUJA is typically covered by most insurance companies with pre-approval from the carrier. Please check with your specific plan.