Back pain that results from arthritis or other degenerative diseases may be able to be addressed with a facet joint block. During a facet joint block, medication is injected into both sides of the vertebrae on the spine.
Depending on the type and location of pain being experienced, multiple injections may be necessary. The procedure may be done as a treatment method or to properly diagnose where the pain is originating.
Your doctor will provide specific instructions to follow before the procedure. For your safety and the success of the procedure, it is important to follow the instructions closely. Common instructions for facet joint blocks include:
Facet joint blocks are done inside an X-ray room. To begin, you will be placed on your stomach, and you may have an IV. The IV may be used to provide fluids during the procedure or as a means of giving medication during the procedure.
During the procedure:
After the procedure, you’ll be transitioned into a recovery room while your vital signs are monitored. The time spent in recovery will vary between individuals.
Many individuals feel immediate relief because of the local anesthetic. It is important to keep track of how you feel after the procedure and how those feelings progress as time goes on. Your doctor will provide specific information on follow-up and your instructions for after the procedure.
If low back pain, neck pain, or joint pain is interfering with your daily life, you don’t have to live with it. At NY Neurology Associates, our doctors perform advanced, minimally invasive procedures such as facet joint blocks, medial branch nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation to help you find long-lasting relief.
Contact one of our offices in New York today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward pain relief.
Here are some common questions about facet joint blocks.
During a facet joint block, medication is injected into both sides of the vertebrae on the spine.
Your doctor will provide specific instructions to follow before the procedure. This may include not eating or drinking after midnight the night before your procedure, and with the exception of insulin, most medications can be taken with a small sip of water prior to the procedure.
The area will be numbed using a local anesthetic. Needles are then used to inject the medication into the facet joints. An X-ray is used to ensure the needles are properly placed before the medication is injected.
After the procedure, you’ll be transitioned into a recovery room while your vital signs are monitored. The time spent in recovery will vary between individuals.
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