Intra Articular Facet Joint Block

What should I expect from this procedure?

Intra-articular spinal facet injections are diagnostic/therapeutic injections done to determine the presence or absence of mechanical pain, or pain caused by certain movements. This injection is done to diagnose and treat pain. Your physician will inject local anesthetic and steroid medications into the facet joint. Facet joints are located in pairs on the back of your spine, and are part of the individual joints/bones that make up your spinal column. These joints can become painful when inflamed. The injection can reduce inflammation and reduce or eliminate your pain. If the initial procedure helps relieve your pain, your physician may complete a series of injections, which has been shown to reduce pain.

How quickly can I expect pain relief?

You might feel some initial pain relief from the local anesthetic immediately following the procedure. Your pain may return and then be relieved again when the steroid begins to work. Do not be alarmed if your relief is temporary, as it can take from 12 hours to 2 days for the steroid to work and relieve your pain.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

You should eat no solid food or fluids after midnight prior to the procedure unless directed otherwise. You may take your regular medications with a small amount of water. If you are taking any blood thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or any others, these medications must be discontinued well before the procedure. The Advanced Pain Institute will direct you when to stop taking these medications.

What happens during and after the procedure?

You will be taken to the procedure area and positioned on a special x-ray table. You will be connected to monitoring equipment. Your skin will be sterilized with Betadine or a similar solution and the needle insertion site will be numbed with local anesthesia. Needle(s) will be inserted into the facet joints that your physician has determined appropriate for the location of your pain. Generally a local anesthetic will be injected into the region. Your physician on most occasions also injects some dye with the medications.

Will my insurance cover the procedure?

Most insurance companies currently cover facet joint injections. They are covered by Medicare and other government funded insurance plans. However, coverage may vary depending on your specific plan and policy.

What possible side effects might I see?

Possible side effects may include drowsiness, temporary numbness, weakness and soreness.
What should I do if any problems develop after I leave the hospital?
If you experience severe pain, new numbness or weakness of your legs, a temperature of 100.5° degrees or greater, or signs of infection in the area of the injection (redness, swelling, heat, discharge), please call the Advanced Pain Institute immediately (626) 445-2371.

What post procedure instructions are recommended?

You should rest for a few hours following the procedure, and use assistance if needed. You may resume light activity soon after the procedure, and resume your regular diet. Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 12 hours following the procedure.