|
Q: What
is a facet injection? A: It is an injection of both a long-lasting steroid “cortisone” (like triamcinolone
or methyl-prednisolone) and an anesthetic numbing agent (like lidocaine) into a specific facet joint of your spine. The injection
can be placed inside the joint capsule or in the tissue surrounding the joint capsule. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation,
and they are very effective when delivered directly into the part of your back that is causing pain. Corticosteroids are different
than the anabolic steroids that athletes may use. The facet joint is the moveable joint of the spine that connects one vertebra
to another. This procedure is different than an epidural steroid injection, which injects the steroid into the epidural space
of the spinal cord. Facet injections may provide relief of pain and inflammation as well as provide more diagnostic information
for your physician. The injection “blocks” the pain in much the same way as your dentist would use an anesthetic
injection to block the pain in your jaw before working on your teeth. Injections into joints or nerves are sometimes called
“blocks.” Facet blocks can be used as a diagnostic test to determine if you will benefit from a facet rhizotomy.
The pain relief can last from days to years, or in some cases, permanently. Q: Am I a candidate for facet injection? A:
If you have neck, low back, or leg pain stemming from inflammation or irritation of your facet joints, you may benefit from
a facet injection. The doctor may wish to perform it as a diagnostic test to find the facet joint that may be causing your
pain. Facet injections may be helpful in treating your inflammatory condition. If you are in too much pain to exercise, facet
injections can ease your pain enough so that you can continue with your rehabilitation program. Facet injections should not
be performed on people who have an infection, are pregnant, or have bleeding problems. If you have diabetes, it may elevate
your blood sugar. Q: What happens before treatment? A: Dr. Rosen will perform the injection may evaluate you a few
days before your appointment. A medical history and physical exam, as well as a review of your imaging studies, may be performed.
This will help your doctor plan the best way to place the medication as close to the site of pain as possible. Be prepared
to ask any questions you may have at this appointment. If you are currently taking any aspirin or blood thinning medication,
you may need to stop taking it several days before the facet injection. Please discuss this with the doctors who prescribed
this medication as well as the doctor who will be giving you the injection. Make arrangements to have someone drive you to
and from the center on the day of your injection if you wish sedation. Q: What happens during treatment? A: At the
time of your injection, you will be asked to sign consent forms, list medications you are presently taking, and if you have
any allergies to medication. The entire procedure usually lasts about 10-15 minutes.
|
