Corticosteroid local injection of the facet joint by three different approaches versus transcutaneous nerve stimulation [TNS] in the treatment of low back pain

The present study has compared between the local injection of the facet joint by corticosteroids versus transcutaneous nerve stimulation [TNS]. Sixty patients divided into two groups, each group contained 30 patients, were enrolled in this study for a period of three weeks. It has been found that the injection group showed a significant improvement in flexion, extension and pain compared to the transcutaneous nerve stimulation group. It has been concluded that TNS has no much role in the management of the facet syndrome, while local injection by corticosteroid gives good results, especially if the injection is made intra-articular by the aid of the computed tomography [CT] or fluoroscopy-guidance with TV monitoring assistance