These are injections of medications into the small joints (facets) of either the cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine. These small joints provide stability and motion to the spine. The medication is given to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain from these joints. Complications of these injections are very rare but may include swelling, infection, pain exacerbation or neural injury.
When you arrive, the staff will get a description of your pain and how you are managing daily activities. Medications, allergies and a brief health history will be reviewed. It is important to let us know if you have allergies to X-ray dye, Betadine or latex, if you are taking blood thinners, if you have diabetes or if you might be pregnant.
After discussing treatment, you will go to the procedure room where you will be helped onto the x-ray table into the best position for visualizing your spine. We will try to make you as comfortable as possible. Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic; the physician will place a needle into the joint space using X-ray guidance. A local anesthetic or a mixture of a steroid and local anesthetic will be injected. The entire procedure takes less than 5 minutes.
You should plan to stay with us for 15-20 minutes after the procedure. The staff will answer any questions you might have and review instructions and follow-up care.
When you go home:
- Activities: you may do your regular activities as tolerated. You can usually return to work and exercising on the next day.
- Pain: ice on the injection site and taking your regular pain medications will help with any discomfort.
- Follow-up: make an appointment for follow up or to repeat the injection in 2-4 weeks.
Many patients will have pain relief after the first injection, if this occurs and you have a scheduled repeat injection please call us and cancel the second injection appointment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 781-489-5541.
