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Facet joints are joints between two vertebrae. They are present in entire spine. There are various causes which can produce facet joint pain.
The zygapophysial joints are small joints between the bones that make up the spine. These “z-joints” may become a cause of chronic low back pain. The only way to determine if these joints are the cause of your pain is to numb the joint or “block” the joint nerves-called the medial branches- that send pain signals from the joints. If the injection eliminates your pain, then the joint is determined to be the cause of your pain. If your pain is not relieved, then causes other than the z-joint may need to be considered. The injection can be performed with or without a steroid (“cortisone”) medication to be determined by your physician prior to your procedure.
You should have your usual pain prior to the facet injection to determine if the injection stops your pain. Do not take any pain medication that day if it will make your pain less. Prior to the procedure, a record of your pain severity and location will be made. Rarely is sedation required.
You will be placed onto a special table for the procedure. After cleansing the skin, a small needle will be directed precisely to the target joint. Contrast dye is injected to ensure the medication is going to the target joint or nerve. Then, local anesthetic (“numbing medication”) and/or steroid is injected. One or more injections will be done as determined prior to the procedure. There is generally a brief duration of minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Lumbar facet joint injection
Cervical facet injection
Your skin will be cleansed and a bandage applied as necessary. You will be taken to an observation area and monitored for any adverse reactions which are very rare. Your usual pain will be re-assessed and documented.
The procedure requires use of x-ray to precisely place the needle. Therefore, if you are pregnant, please inform your physician prior to the procedure. The amount of x-ray exposure is within recommended safe limits for adults, but can be hazardous to the developing fetus.
If you are on blood thinners or anticoagulants, allergies please notify your physician. Special precautions or medication adjustments may be deemed necessary. However, do not stop your medication without consulting with your physician.
Side effects are generally minimal and can include increased discomfort, local bruising, headache, nausea, fainting or dizziness. These symptoms are usually short-lived and will resolve themselves. More severe complications are rare such as infection, allergic reaction, or nerve injury.
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