Facet Injection

An injury or disease in any of the structures of the spine (discs, nerves, ligaments, and joints) may result in inflammation.  This inflammation can apply pressure to the area surrounding the nerves, resulting in pain.  A facet injection is given in an attempt to reduce this inflammation and pain.

A combination of two medications is used in this injection:  a local anesthetic and a steroid.  The local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief by numbing the area of the injection.  The numbing effect will typically wear off in 4–6 hours.  The steroid provides pain relief by reducing the inflammation in the area of the injection.  The steroid can take 2–10 days to begin working.  A series of injections may be needed to provide the desired pain relief. 

In some cases, the doctor may perform facet injections for diagnostic purposes only.  For these injections, the steroid is not given. 

POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

     -  Do not drive or operate machinery on the day of your procedure.
     -  Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the rest of the day.
     -  Normal activity can be resumed on the following day, unless otherwise instructed by 
        your doctor.
     -  No heavy lifting for several days after the injection.
     -  If you are receiving IV sedation during the procedure, you will need someone to         
        drive you home.

DIET:

     -  Resume your regular diet

PATIENT COMFORT:

     -  Keep the injection site clean and dry.  You may shower.
     -  If you have a dressing, it can be removed the following day
     -  Take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
     -  You may take Extra Strength Tylenol, 2 tablets, every four hours as needed for pain.
     -  An ice pack can be applied to the injection site once the effect of the local 
        anesthetic wears off.  The ice pack should be applied for no more than 20 minutes
        at a time.

SYMPTOMS TO REPORT:
    
     -  Rash or itching
     -  Stomach pain
     -  Numbness that lasts longer than 24 hours.

     -  Note any side effects such as headache, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs,
        or loss of bladder control.  Such side effects are rare, and typically subside within
        24 hours.

     -  (Patients with Diabetes) You may experience a worsening of diabetic symptoms
        (excessive thirst, excessive urination, elevated blood sugars).  Check your blood
        sugar twice a day for 2 weeks following the injections.  Call your physician who is
        managing your diabetes if you experience any increase in symptoms.