Facet Injection

A facet injection is an injection of a long lasting steroid in one or more of the joints in the back.

The injection is used to reduce the inflammation or swelling in the joint space. This can reduce pain, tingling, numbness or other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Before the Procedure

• Certain medications may increase your risk of bleeding and may need to be held prior to your procedure. You may resume these medications the day after your procedure unless otherwise instructed.

During the Procedure

• You will lie on your stomach on the X-ray table.
• Your skin is cleaned and numbing medication will be given where the needle will be placed, using X-ray guidance to ensure proper placement.
• Two different medications are injected into the joint. A short acting anesthetic agent is injected for temporary pain relief lasting about 4-5 hours. A steroid is injected for long-term pain relief and begins working in 3-5 days.

After the Procedure

• You may resume your normal activities as tolerated.
• Watch for signs of infection at the injection site such as redness, swelling, tenderness, fever or drainage from the site.
• Your doctor will be contacted with the results of your test and will discuss the results with you.