Facet Joint Injections

Facet joint injections serve both as a minimally invasive treatment for back pain stemming from inflamed facet joints and as a diagnostic tool to identify facet-joint inflammation as a source of pain. Each vertebra is connected to the vertebra above and below it through four facet joints. This procedure involves injecting a combination of a long-lasting steroid and a local anesthetic either into the joint capsule or the surrounding tissue.

While the local anesthetic provides temporary pain relief, the steroid works to reduce inflammation, potentially alleviating pain for a period ranging from a few days to several years. Prolonged pain relief holds diagnostic significance, confirming that the origin of pain lies within the injected joint.

Facet-joint injections can be repeated multiple times a year for those who experience successful yet short-term pain relief.

Procedures

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Eligibility for Facet Joint Injections

Individuals with back pain or pain believed to emanate from the back are suitable candidates for facet-joint injections. Such pain can arise from causes like injury, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or osteoarthritis. While the pain typically manifests in the lumbar region, it can occur anywhere along the spine. Inflamed facet joints can result in pain experienced in various regions, including the groin, buttocks, hips, shoulders, neck, legs, or arms.

Facet joint injections are often recommended when conservative measures such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy have failed.

The Facet Joint Injection Procedure

During the procedure, the injection site is numbed with an anesthetic. A needle is then carefully inserted into the facet joint through the back, guided by fluoroscopy for precise placement. Once the needle is accurately positioned, a blend of anesthetic and cortisone is injected into the targeted joint. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes.

Immediate pain relief is achieved through the injected anesthetic, while it takes several days to evaluate the effects of the cortisone. Mild discomfort at the injection site may occur, which can be managed with Tylenol and ice application.

Recovery and Results

Patients can return home shortly after the injection(s) and resume normal activities the next day. A follow-up visit to the doctor occurs in approximately a week to assess the effectiveness of the injection in alleviating symptoms. Results of facet joint injections can vary significantly, with some experiencing long-term relief after a single injection, while others may require additional treatment within a few weeks or months.

Risks of Facet Joint Injections

Although generally safe, facet joint injections do carry some risks. In rare cases, they may lead to infection, allergic reactions, bleeding, or nerve damage.

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Facet Joint Injections