Summary of Procedure: Facet Joint Injection
Sometimes the source of back or neck pain is due to inflammation of the spinal facet joints, or Facet Syndrome. In these cases, a minimally invasive facet joint injection helps to relieve pain by reducing inflammation and providing ease of movement with the use of a facet joint injection.
In this procedure, a Carolina Spine & Pain Centers physician will administer local anesthesia to the area to be injected and fluoroscopy (live x-ray) will be used to determine the precise site of the injection. A hypodermic needle is used to inject a contrast dye to allow for imaging at the site of the injection.
The physician will then inject the steroids and/or numbing agents to the facet joint. After removing the treatment needle, the physician will provide a bandage at the site of the injection. The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes, so most patients can return home the same day.
Related: Injections for Back Pain in Greenville
What to Expect Post-Procedure of a Facet Joint Injection
Immediately following the procedure, patients are sent to a recovery room where vitals are closely monitored for about 30 minutes. If no symptoms or pain is experienced, the patient may return home and will be given a set of instructions for post-procedural self-care, including instructions for managing pain before the steroids take effect.
The patient can expect their pain to return temporarily when the procedural anesthesia wears off. Patients are instructed to manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
The longer-term effects of the facet joint injection can typically be seen within 3-5 days to a week and can last for several months to a year. A facet joint injection may be repeated as needed up to 3 times per year and requires no accompanied physical therapy for recovery.
Call Carolina Spine and Pain today to learn more about facet joint injections by calling us at 864-535-0144 or by filling out a book an appointment form. We have several office locations throughout the state of South Carolina. Get in touch today!
