The neurosurgeons of NeuroScience & Spine Associates perform a very wide variety of head, neck and back related procedures to treat an array of symptoms and conditions. In our What We Do series we will discuss a sample of our most common procedures and conditions in greater detail so patients can gain more understanding of their ailments and the procedures we perform to try to resolve the issue. In this article we will discuss Facet Joint Injections (FJI).
What is a Facet Joint Injection (FJI)?
A Facet Joint Injection (FJI) is a common treatment for pain relief from things like arthritis, back injuries or mechanical stress on the back. At NeuroScience & Spine Associates we use non-surgical techniques, such as injections and physical therapy as an integral part of our process prior to surgical recommendation. We perform our injections in our Center for Spine Care, located on the lower level of our main office in Lancaster.
The Lumbar Facet Joint Injection Procedure
Facet joints are very small joints at each section of the spine that aid in stability and motion of the spine. These joints can cause pain for a variety of reasons including arthritis, back injuries or mechanical stress on the back. The Facet Joint Injection procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic and steroid medication directly in to the facet joints in an effort to relieve the pain.
The pain relief is intended to reduce pain and allow for rehabilitation.
Recovering from a Facet Joint Injection
Rehabilitation is minimal. Patients are asked to take it easy the day of injection and can return to usual activity the next day. There can be some worsening of pain for a couple of days after the procedure until the steroids take effect and it can take 2 weeks to get the full effect of the steroid. Steroids are expected to last about 3-6 months but some people get a longer benefit.
Learn more about Facet Joint Injections by viewing our patient education video here.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians you can fill out our consultation request form and we’ll get it touch with you to discuss your options
