Facet Joint Injections
A facet joint injection is a relatively simple procedure, which is usually performed in an office or in an ambulatory surgical center. The facet joints are located in pairs on the side of each vertebra in the neck and back, where they connect the backbones to each other. They allow the spine to bend and twist, providing support and stability. Injury or conditions such as arthritis may cause pain and inflammation within the facet joints. That’s when facet joint injections can be the solution.
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Facet Joint Injections
A facet joint injection is a relatively simple procedure, which is usually performed in an office or in an ambulatory surgical center. The facet joints are located in pairs on the side of each vertebra in the neck and back, where they connect the backbones to each other. They allow the spine to bend and twist, providing support and stability. Injury or conditions such as arthritis may cause pain and inflammation within the facet joints. That’s when facet joint injections can be the solution.
What are the benefits of facet joint injections?
This treatment is designed specifically for this pain, resulting in the management of facet joint pain.
- The primary benefit is pain relief
- It reduces inflammation and provides long-term relief
- It helps patients tolerate physical therapy
- It helps physicians diagnose and manage the origin of the back or neck pain
How should I prepare for this procedure?
We understand that you might have a lot of questions about this procedure and how to prepare, so read on to learn what will happen. Please remember to ask your doctor any questions that you have. Before the procedure, you will be asked to tell your doctor:
- About the medications you are taking
- If you have any allergies, including anesthesia or contrast materials containing iodine
- If you are taking blood-thinning medications
- About any recent illnesses or other medical conditions
Prior to your procedure, your blood may be tested to determine whether it clots normally.
Metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, may interfere with the CT scans depending on the depth of the injection site; as a result, you should leave them at home or take them out before your appointment. Additionally, you might be required to take out any hearing aids or removable dental work, bras or piercings out.
Because contrast material might be utilized during the exam, you won’t be allowed to eat or drink anything for a few hours prior.
What to expect during the procedure
Typically, no sedation is used during the surgery. However, in order to provide sedative medication intravenously, a nurse technician will place an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm if necessary.
- On the test table, you will be requested to lie face down.
- During the procedure, you can be wired to monitors that track your heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse.
- Your body’s intended site for the needle insertion will be cleaned and covered with a surgical drape. A local anesthetic will be used by your doctor to numb the region.
- The doctor will place the needle through the skin and into the affected facet joint using real-time x-ray or CT pictures as guidance. It’s possible to inject a tiny bit of contrast material to make sure the needle is in the joint. Anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs are slowly administered into the joint.
- The opening in the skin will be bandaged, and pressure will be given to stop any bleeding. Sutures are not required.
- You might be taken to a spot for long-term observation.
The full process normally takes 30 minutes to finish.
At Greater Houston and Greater Victoria Interventional Pain Management we provide facet joint injections for facet joint pain in order to manage and relieve pain. Our doctors are prepared to deliver the best care. Schedule an appointment on our Contact section, check the nearest clinic and get the best treatment today.
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