A facet joint injection is a diagnostic procedure which involves injecting a local anesthetic and/or a corticosteroid into the joint for the purpose of confirming the source of pain as well as for providing pain relief. About 10 to 20 percent of patients will obtain long term relief over the course of 3 months. If the procedure provides significant relief for the duration of the injection’s efficacy period, a tentative diagnosis can be made, and patients will be considered a candidate for facet injections. To confirm a diagnosis, patients may have to undergo additional tests which will be determined by the healthcare professional administering the injections. In cases where minimal-to-no relief is provided by the injections, the pain is likely caused by a different problem, and not one where the facet joints are involved.

A facet injection may be needed when:

• Pain has not responded to other treatments
• Inflammation causes limited range of motion
• Pain interferes with day-to-day activities
• Pain lasts longer than two weeks
• Identifying the location of pain
• Diagnosing the cause of facet pain

Facet joint injections provide many benefits, including:

• Reduce Inflammation — This improves healing times and aids in the recovery process.
• Greater Pain Relief — These injections can provide more pain relief than other treatments and can also help patients live a better quality of life.
• Aids in Making a Diagnosis — These injections also play a diagnostic role in determining if the facet joints are the cause of the pain.
• Minimal Risks — There are few risks involved with facet injections, except for those present in all invasive procedures, such as risk of infection.
• Complements Other Conservative Treatment Methods — They work by themselves or in addition to other therapies, making them a great choice for many individuals.

The injection procedure includes the following steps:

• The patient lies on a procedure table
• The injection site is well cleansed
• A numbing medicine (anesthetic) is applied
• Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the physician directs a very small needle into the facet joint
• To confirm that the needle is in the joint and that medication is contained inside the joint, a small amount of contrast dye is then injected
• After the proper placement of the needle has been confirmed, a small mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is then slowly injected into the joint

The facet joint steroid injection starts to work in about three to seven days and it can last up to a few months. Over a period of a few weeks to 6 months, several injections may be necessary. This is a safe procedure with very few complications or adverse effects.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, our skilled professionals are committed to helping you manage painful symptoms and injuries that can hold you back from enjoying life to its fullest potential. Contact us today for more information or simply schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1540 Purdue Dr, Suite 200, Fayetteville, NC 28303. We serve patients from Fayetteville NC, Woodfield NC, Hope Mills NC, Fort Bragg NC, Eastover NC, and surrounding areas.