FACET JOINT or NERVE INJECTIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

            Pain in the neck and back can develop following injury to the spine or as a result of aging, disc degeneration and arthritis.  When this pain is severe it may be associated with the release by the body of certain chemicals which cause inflammation and swelling.  This inflammation often can be decreased simply by rest and common medications such as aspirin and Advil, or with prescription anti-inflammatory drugs .  If the inflammation persists despite these treatments, cortisone may be recommended.

             Cortisone (a type of steroid) is a very powerful anti-inflammatory medication.  It can be administered as pills taken by mouth or with an injection.  When administered by injection the cortisone is maximally concentrated at the site of inflammation and higher doses are possible with improved effectiveness.

            A facet joint or nerve injection places the cortisone into one of the joints in the spine or next to the nerve supplying the joint.  Once injected the cortisone is slowly released into the surrounding tissues and decreases inflammation, swelling and pain.  The cortisone does not cure the underlying cause of your pain.  The goals of the injection are to decrease your pain to a tolerable level and to allow you to participate in rehabilitation and therapy while natural healing occurs.   If you don’t notice an effect immediately following the injection don't become discouraged. It commonly takes 7-10 days for the cortisone to be fully effective.

             The spine has many facet joints in the neck, mid and lower back. Luckily  the source of the pain is usually confined to only a few levels on one or both sides of your spine. Your doctor will discuss with you the number of joints or nerves for which injection is planned. Often, one set of injections will result in a decrease in symptoms.  If successful however, it is difficult to predict  how long the cortisone will continue to work.  The injections can be repeated but not more than 3-4 times per year.

 THE PROCEDURE

            The injection is performed as an outpatient.  You will need to arrive 15 minutes early unless notified otherwise. A nurse will greet you and answer any last minute questions.  The injection takes about 15 minutes to perform. You will be positioned on your stomach. Your spine will then be washed with iodine.  Then the skin at the injection site/s is numbed with local anesthetic.  The needles are then inserted into the facet joint/s or next to the nerve/s to the joint. The position of the needles are checked using  a special  X-Ray machine. Once the needles are correctly positioned the cortisone is injected.  Most patients experience very little pain either during or after the injection.  After the injection you will be gradually mobilized up to sitting and walking.   A nurse will review discharge instructions with you.  A friend or relative should be with you or available to bring you home.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

            Facet joint cortisone injections are very safe and usually have no side effects.  There are however certain potential risks about which you should be familiar.  Some patients experience a mild ache in the area of injection several hours after the procedure when the local anesthetic has worn off.  This usually resolves rapidly and can be treated with an ice pack for 15 - 20 minutes and/or Tylenol.  Allergic reaction to either cortisone, or local anesthetic (xylocaine) is very rare.  If you think you may be allergic to any of  these medications you must notify you doctor.  The most common side effect following the injection is a small drop in your blood pressure if you get up too soon after the injection.  This passes in a few minutes. 

            Complication from placement of the needle are rare.  Infection, bleeding and nerve damage have been reported but are very, very, rare. 

            Facet joint cortisone injection should not be performed if you have active infection at the site of injection, a bleeding disorder, or uncontrolled diabetes or congestive heart failure.

            Relax!  Most patients find that undergoing  facet joint injections is much easier than they had imagined.  If you have additional questions please ask your doctor.

           POST INJECTION INSTRUCTIONS

 1. Rest at home for the remainder of the day following the injection.  Don’t tackle any big projects.  If you do experience aching in you neck or back try an ice pack for 15 - 20 minutes or some of your usual pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil. 

2. The day after your injection you may resume normal activities.  But remember not to push beyond your limits.

3. Contact your doctor or the emergency room  if you develop signs of infection (fever or redness at the site of injection), or if you notice a change in the way the nerves in your arms or legs are working (increasing numbness or weakness) or a change in you bowel or bladder function.

4. Call your doctor’s office to arrange follow-up as needed.