A facet block injections are comparatively simple and direct procedure, can be easily performed in a pain management clinic. As with other spinal injections the, facet block injections are the most recommended they works well with the guidance of X-ray to help the needle reach the targeted nerve and avoid maximum damage to other nerves
The procedure of facet joint injections
The facet block injections can be carried out by the following steps:
Traditionally, the process is carried out without any numbness or local anesthesia, only an IV injection is given if needed. The procedure is initiated by the patient lying on the examination table. The skin of the area to be treated is cleaned with an antiseptic. A numbing medication is given in a selected area of the skin, which may create a stinging effect for a few seconds. The practitioner takes help from the X-Ray to place the needle in the correct position. A small amount of pigmentation is given through the thin needle in the facet joint to confirm the nerve that is pinched. Along with the pigmentation a small amount of anesthesia and steroid is given into the facet joint. The facet joint injection only takes a few minutes, however, the whole procedure takes fifteen to thirty minutes
What to expect immediately after the facet block injections
Soon after the facet block injections the candidate is allowed to rest in the recovery area for about twenty to thirty minutes and is observed upon certain movements or actions that might have a chance of stimulating pain. In some cases, patients may not be given pain relievers, however, this depends upon the joints that are aimed. If the certain facet that undergo facet block injection joints are not the source of pain, the pain relievers are not given. In some cases, patients might feel numbing effect or might feel weakness in the neck or back for a couple of hours after facet block injections. Patients are advised to avoid any intense activities, pain killer drugs must be reduced from the initial four to six weeks after the facet block injections so that the information obtained for diagnostic purpose is accurate. The patient might avoid driving unless it is approved by the physician, if any seductive medication is used, then it is highly prescribed to avoid driving for 24 hours of the facet block injections
In case you or any of your loved one is suffering from a severe back pain and looking for a safe and cost-effective treatment, get a professional advice from Dr. Zaki Anwar by placing an appointment at 815-464-7212. He is a world renowned Pain Medicine Physician who has been practicing regenerative injection therapies for the past several years with remarkable results.