FACET JOINT INJECTIONS
What is it? 
An injection of local anesthetic and steroids into spinal joint(s) to reduce inflammation and pain or to confirm that a suspicious facet joint is the actual pain generator.

How is it done?
The patient is given a local skin anesthetic before a small spinal needle is inserted into the facet joint or capsule. Local anesthetic and steroid are then injected.

What should I expect after the injection? 
Immediately after the injection, you may feel that your pain may be gone or quite less. This will only last for a few hours due to the local anesthetic used. Your pain may return and you may have a sore back or neck for a day or two. You should start noticing pain relief starting the 3rd to 5th day which may last days to months.

How long does it take? 
Thirty minutes.

Will the injection hurt?
This procedure is done under local anesthesia which makes the procedure easy to tolerate.

What should I do after the procedure?
You may want to apply ice to the affected area. After the first day, you can perform activity as tolerated.

Can I go to work the next day?
Yes. Unless there are complications, you should be able to return to your work the next day. The most common feeling is local soreness in the neck or back.

How many injections can I have? 
In a six-month period, we generally do not perform more than three injections. Giving more than three injections will increase the likelihood of side effects from cortisone. Also, if three injections with fluoroscopic guidance have not helped you much, it is very unlikely that you will get any further benefit from additional injections.

What are the risks and side effects? 
This procedure is safe when performed in a controlled setting. However, with any procedure there are risks, side effects, and possibility of complications. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort. The other risks involve, infection, bleeding, worsening of symptoms.
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Who should not have this injection?
As with other types of injections, you should not have the procedure if you are currently taking blood-thinning medicine (i.e. Coumadin.)