PAIN MANAGEMENT

Facet Block Injections

Facet injections are used for patients with low back pain and leg pain stemming from inflammation or irritation of the facet joints. These patients normally do not respond to other conservative means, such as oral anti-inflammatory medication, rest, lumbar corsets or physical therapy.

Facet injections may provide relief of pain and inflammation as well as provide more diagnostic information for your physician. Facet blocks can be used as a diagnostic test to determine if the patient will benefit from a facet rhizotomy. The pain relief can last from days to years, or in some cases, permanently.

A local anesthetic is injected into the skin, which will temporarily numb the area in the low back to be examined. A needle is then placed into the facet joint, or the nerve supplying the joint in question. The physician will use an x-ray picture and monitor to assist in the placement of the needle. The medication is then introduced around the facet joint or near the nerves supplying the joint.

The test is performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete. You will be awake during the testing procedure allowing the physician to as you questions regarding any discomfort you experience.

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