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Facet Block
According to the American Chiropractic Association, experts estimate that as many as 80 percent of the population will experience a back problem at some point and already, one-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. Facet injections are effective at relieving back pain, decreasing inflammation and swelling in an infected joint.
A facet block injection is a locally-administered anesthetic designed to numb pain near the injection site. During the procedure, we insert a needle to deliver pain-preventative medication. Side effects are as mild as numbness or weakness in legs. For long-term relief, multiple injections may be needed following the first injection.
Are you a good candidate for Facet Block?
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Positive
You are dealing with persistent, ongoing joint or back pain.
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Positive
You are dealing with significant pain in your facet joints due to arthritis.
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Negative
You are on a blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin.
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Negative
You have an ongoing or active infection.
Frequently asked questions
Do Facet Joint Injections Cause Pain?
Like most injections, a facet joint injection tends to cause a small amount of pain at the injection site, usually described as being like a hard pinch. If the injection site is already irritated or inflamed, there’s an increased chance that you will feel some pain during the procedure. But in nearly all cases, the pain associated with the injection dissipates quickly, giving way to pain relief.
How Long Does Receiving a Facet Block Injection Take?
Typically, it takes between 10 and 15 minutes to receive facet joint pain treatment. It is a relatively quick procedure, with little-to-no recovery time — barring any kind of a reaction, patients typically leave shortly after the joint injection procedure.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of a Facet Block Procedure?
What Is a Facet Block Injection Used for?
Facet block injections are used primarily to relieve joint pain. Sometimes, they are used in conjunction with a steroid injection to reduce inflammation. Additionally, one might receive a facet block injection in preparation for a procedure, so as to numb the site of the procedure before starting.
