Cervical Facet Joint Injection
A corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory medication) is injected into one or more facet joints to reduce inflammation and pain. The injection may be performed to diagnose and potentially treat facet generated pain. The injection might temporarily lessen the pain and help the patient move their neck better. In such circumstance, the physician will know which facet joints are causing pain and treat them accordingly. At, Spine Physicians Institute, we have seen such condition and performed the lumbar facet joint injection many times.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- During the procedure, an IV may be inserted to administer intravenous medications to help the patient relax.
- Local anaesthetic will also be used to numb the patient’s skin.
- Fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray machine, is used to ensure proper placement of the needle directly into the facet joint.
- Dye will then be injected to verify correct placement.
- Once correct placement of the needle is verified, the medication is injected.
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Recovery
You are monitored for up to 30 minutes after the injection. It is important to keep track of your pain to help your doctor know what the next step will be. You might feel immediate pain relief in your back for 2-6 hours following the injection. It is normal for pain to be worse for 1 or 2 days following the injection. This may be due to needle irritation or by the steroid itself. Steroids generally take 2-7 days to begin working. It is generally okay to return to work a day after the injection.
For more questions, contact our offices located in Dallas, Irving, Red Oak, Plano, Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville and Duncanville marketplaces.