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WWW.PINKERTONPAIN.COM
| 417-781-7246 |
Facet Injections
This site is not intended to be a substitute for
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
Facet Injections
What is a Facet Injection?
A Facet Injection is an injection of a long-lasting steroid such as methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone
and an anesthetic into the tissue surrounding the facet joints on either side of your spine under x-ray guidance. Although
the medication is the same, a facet injection is different than an epidural injection because the location is near the joints in
your spine rather than the epidural space in your spine. Facet injections can be used as a diagnostic test to see if your
pain actually is coming from your joints or it can be used as a treatment (therapeutic) to relieve pain caused by
inflammation. Facet injections are often called facet "blocks".
Are you a candidate for Facet Injections?
If you have neck, mid back, or lower back pain caused from irritation of your facet joints you may benefit from facet
injections. When symptoms are interfering with exercise and/or work and family time, facet blocks can ease the pain
enough so that you can get back to daily life. Those who have an infection, are pregnant or nursing, or those with bleeding
problems should not have facet injections. Facet injections may slightly elevate blood sugar in patients with diabetes for a
short period of time.
What happens before Facet Injections?
Dr. Pinkerton requires that you have an initial evaluation by him prior to having any form of treatment. This is an opportunity
for you and him to get to know each other. He will examine you thoroughly and review all of your medical history and
medication. You should be prepared to ask any questions at this time. Prior to receiving facet injections, you may be
asked to remain fasting for up to 6 hours and bring a driver with you to your appointment. These are only precautions and
are for your safety only. Click here to see our specific instructions.
What happens after Facet Injections?
Although some patients may feel anxious about Facet Injections ahead of time, most patients are pleasantly surprised
when they are finished. Most patients are immediately able to get up and walk around, and after a short period of
monitoring are able to leave the office. Light activity is encouraged for the rest of the day but strenuous activity is
discouraged. Patients can usually return to their normal activities the next day. Localized soreness may be relieved by
using ice for at least 2 hours in 20 minute intervals. This may be done up to 24 hours. You will need to keep a careful
record of you pain for the next 24 hours especially and also for the next week. This will be very important in helping Dr.
Pinkerton determine whether or not you are benefiting from the treatment. If you benefit for only a short time from facet
injections you may be a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation or Facet Rhizotomy.
What are the results?
Results from facet blocks should be immediate, however, the steroid will also start to work over the next 1-7 days. If you
do not have immediate relief don't panic. There is still a chance the steroid will start to work for you. The pain relief may
last for months or years even, but if the pain returns in a short amount of time you may be considered for Radiofrequency
Ablation.
What are the risks?
Generally, there are very few risks associated with facet injections. Potential side affects are infection, allergic reaction,
and those associated with steroid.
A Facet Injection is an injection of a long-lasting steroid such as methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone
and an anesthetic into the tissue surrounding the facet joints on either side of your spine under x-ray guidance. Although
the medication is the same, a facet injection is different than an epidural injection because the location is near the joints in
your spine rather than the epidural space in your spine. Facet injections can be used as a diagnostic test to see if your
pain actually is coming from your joints or it can be used as a treatment (therapeutic) to relieve pain caused by
inflammation. Facet injections are often called facet "blocks".
Are you a candidate for Facet Injections?
If you have neck, mid back, or lower back pain caused from irritation of your facet joints you may benefit from facet
injections. When symptoms are interfering with exercise and/or work and family time, facet blocks can ease the pain
enough so that you can get back to daily life. Those who have an infection, are pregnant or nursing, or those with bleeding
problems should not have facet injections. Facet injections may slightly elevate blood sugar in patients with diabetes for a
short period of time.
What happens before Facet Injections?
Dr. Pinkerton requires that you have an initial evaluation by him prior to having any form of treatment. This is an opportunity
for you and him to get to know each other. He will examine you thoroughly and review all of your medical history and
medication. You should be prepared to ask any questions at this time. Prior to receiving facet injections, you may be
asked to remain fasting for up to 6 hours and bring a driver with you to your appointment. These are only precautions and
are for your safety only. Click here to see our specific instructions.
What happens after Facet Injections?
Although some patients may feel anxious about Facet Injections ahead of time, most patients are pleasantly surprised
when they are finished. Most patients are immediately able to get up and walk around, and after a short period of
monitoring are able to leave the office. Light activity is encouraged for the rest of the day but strenuous activity is
discouraged. Patients can usually return to their normal activities the next day. Localized soreness may be relieved by
using ice for at least 2 hours in 20 minute intervals. This may be done up to 24 hours. You will need to keep a careful
record of you pain for the next 24 hours especially and also for the next week. This will be very important in helping Dr.
Pinkerton determine whether or not you are benefiting from the treatment. If you benefit for only a short time from facet
injections you may be a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation or Facet Rhizotomy.
What are the results?
Results from facet blocks should be immediate, however, the steroid will also start to work over the next 1-7 days. If you
do not have immediate relief don't panic. There is still a chance the steroid will start to work for you. The pain relief may
last for months or years even, but if the pain returns in a short amount of time you may be considered for Radiofrequency
Ablation.
What are the risks?
Generally, there are very few risks associated with facet injections. Potential side affects are infection, allergic reaction,
and those associated with steroid.
This site is not intended to be a substitute for
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.