Facet Joint Injections - Treatment Highlight

Collecting Samples From the Injection Site

During the injection procedure, your doctor may take samples from the area around the injection site. This is not to cause you discomfort but will allow them to clearly see if there is any inflammation causing your pain. The samples consist of a combination of numbing medication and a few milliliters of joint fluid which contains important information about the type and amount of inflammation present in the surrounding tissues. These samples are then examined in a laboratory to determine if they could be contributing to your pain. 

The samples are collected through an injection into the body’s fatty tissue containing the joint fluid. This fluid is then studied to determine and diagnose any inflammation which may be causing pain in the joint. These samples will then provide your physician with valuable information in order to correctly treat you and your condition. Depending on the severity of the situation, multiple injections may need to be performed as part of your facet joint injection treatment plan.

Performing the Facet Joint Injection Procedure

After the doctor has identified the injection point, they will then decide how much of the numbing medication and joint fluid are needed to perform the procedure. They may also request additional imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans, so they can accurately place the needle and ensure that it is in the proper position. The injection itself is fairly quick – most patients feel a slight pinch as the needle enters their skin and some mild pressure afterwards as the solution is injected. Patients typically experience very little to no discomfort. 

Once the injection is complete, patients may experience immediate relief from their pain. However, typically it takes a few days to a week for the medications to take full effect and relieve their symptoms. The numbing medication tends to wear off in about an hour after the procedure, so it’s important for patients not to engage in any strenuous activities during this time as they can aggravate their joint and undo all of the progress made by the injection.

Post-Injection Procedures and Follow-Up Care

Following the injection, patients should rest for at least one hour to allow the medication to take effect. It is important to keep the area of injection clean and dry until all swelling and soreness has disappeared. Patients may experience some temporary relief after a single injection but for long-term relief, multiple injections will likely be needed. Your doctor will recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments in treatment. 

Patients should discuss any activity restrictions with the doctor. While it is important to rest during the one hour after receiving the injection, light exercise may help with healing and prevent stiffness. Any heavy lifting or physical activities that could cause undue strain on bones and joints near the injection site should be avoided for a few days. Pain medications can also help decrease pain, but these should only be taken if they have been prescribed. It is important to pay attention to body signals – if something causes excessive discomfort or pain, patients should take a break or discontinue the activity altogether.

After the injection, patients should review any changes to dietary habits with their doctor. Additionally, depending on the type of injection, PRE- and post-injection relaxation techniques may be recommended. Finally, medications can be adjusted if necessary for continuing pain relief. Finally, regular communication between patient and doctor is essential so that any post-injection results or side effects can be discussed fully. With this combination of initial procedures and ongoing follow-up care, injections to relieve facet joint pain can give long-lasting relief while also helping to avoid a more invasive treatment paths like surgery.

Benefits and Risks of a Facet Joint Injections

While generally safe, a facet joint injection carries some risks. These include infection, nerve damage, headache, and localized bleeding. It's important to talk with your doctor about the potential risks versus benefits of a facet joint injection in your particular case before undergoing the procedure. Potential benefits can be significant for those suffering from chronic neck or back pain; a single injection might provide relief for up to six months or longer in some cases. 

In addition to the risks associated with any injection, there is also a risk of an allergic reaction to the medication used in a facet joint injection. This is why it's important to discuss your medical history and any allergies you may have with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

During the procedure, a local anesthetic and a steroidal anti-inflammatory medication is injected into the joint near the area of pain. The combination of medications works to reduce inflammation in the area, as well as provide temporary relief from pain by numbing the nerve endings. In some cases, your doctor may opt for an X-ray or CT scan guided injection to ensure accurate placement. The procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes and is usually done on an outpatient basis. After the injection, you may experience some soreness or swelling in the area for a few days. You should be able to resume normal activities within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facet Joint Injections

If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain, you may have heard about facet joint injections as a potential treatment option. But what are they, how do they work, and are they right for you? This guide will answer all your frequently asked questions about facet joint injections.

What are Facet Joint Injections?

Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pain and inflammation in the facet joints of the spine. The facet joints are small joints located between each vertebrae in the spine, and they help to provide stability and support to the spine. When these joints become inflamed or irritated, they can cause pain and discomfort. Facet joint injections involve injecting a small amount of medication, such as a local anesthetic or steroid, directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Facet joint injections are typically performed as an outpatient procedure and can be done under local anesthesia. The procedure involves using fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray imaging, to guide the needle into the affected joint. Once the needle is in place, the medication is injected directly into the joint. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete, and patients can typically return to their normal activities the same day. Facet joint injections are often used to treat conditions such as arthritis, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. They can provide significant pain relief and improve the overall quality of life for patients suffering from chronic back pain.

How Do Facet Joint Injections Work?

Facet joint injections work by delivering medication directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The injection typically contains a combination of a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, and a steroid medication, such as cortisone. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation and provides longer-lasting pain relief. The injection is guided by imaging technology, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to ensure accurate placement of the medication. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

Facet joint injections are a common treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic back or neck pain caused by inflammation in the facet joints. The injections are typically recommended after other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, have failed to provide relief. The procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, such as infection or nerve damage. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of facet joint injections with your healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for Facet Joint Injections?

Facet joint injections are typically recommended for individuals who have been experiencing chronic pain in their back or neck, particularly if the pain is caused by arthritis or a degenerative condition. Candidates for the procedure may have tried other treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, without success. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if facet joint injections are the right treatment option for your specific condition and medical history.

In addition to chronic pain caused by arthritis or degenerative conditions, individuals who have experienced a recent injury or trauma to the back or neck may also be good candidates for facet joint injections. However, it is important to note that the procedure may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as allergies to the injection materials, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions may make the procedure unsafe or ineffective. Your healthcare provider will be able to evaluate your individual situation and determine if facet joint injections are a viable treatment option for you.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

During a facet joint injection procedure, a healthcare provider will use a needle to inject a mixture of anesthetic and steroid medication into the affected joint. The injection is typically guided by imaging technology, such as X-ray or ultrasound, to ensure accuracy. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients may experience some discomfort during the injection, but this is typically minimal and temporary. After the procedure, patients may be advised to rest for a short period of time before resuming normal activities.

During the procedure, patients will be asked to lie on their stomach or back, depending on the location of the affected joint. The healthcare provider will clean the injection site and apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. They will then use imaging technology to guide the needle into the joint and inject the medication. Patients may feel pressure or a slight pinch during the injection, but this should not be painful. After the injection, patients may be monitored for a short period of time before being discharged. It is important to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by the healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome. If you are in need of facet joint injections, contact Advanced Pain Treatment today!