Lumbar Facet Joint Injection

A Lumbar Facet Joint Injection is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. This type of pain is often caused by:

• Arthritis of the facet joints
• Degenerative changes in the spine
• Facet joint syndrome
• Injury or inflammation of the facet joints

The facet joints are small joints between the vertebrae in the spine, and when they become inflamed, they can cause significant pain. A lumbar facet joint injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication (steroid) directly into these joints to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

How Does It Help?

The steroid medication reduces inflammation, leading to reduced pain and stiffness in the lumbar region. This allows you to move more freely and participate in physical therapy to strengthen your back and prevent further injury.

Steps of Administering a Lumbar Facet Joint Injection

1. Pre-procedure Preparation

• You’ll lie face down on a table, and the skin in your lower back will be cleaned and sterilized.
• A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the skin and the tissues surrounding the facet joints.

2. Using Fluoroscopic Guidance

• The physician will use fluoroscopy (a real-time X-ray) to guide the needle into the facet joint in your lower spine.

3. Injection of Medication

• Once the needle is in place, a mixture of corticosteroid and anesthetic will be injected into the joint.

4. Post-Procedure

• After the injection, you’ll be monitored for 15-30 minutes. You may feel some soreness at the injection site, which should subside within a day or two.

When Can You Go Home?

• You can go home shortly after the procedure, usually within 30-60 minutes.
• It is advised to have someone drive you home, especially if the anesthetic causes temporary numbness or weakness.
• Light activities can be resumed the next day, but avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.

How Many Injections Are Needed?

Patients usually experience relief after 1 to 3 injections, spaced over several weeks. In some cases, a single injection can provide significant relief, but most patients require multiple treatments for optimal results.

• Initial Relief: Many patients feel relief after the first injection, but lasting benefits often occur after 2-3 injections.
• Long-term Relief: For ongoing pain management, additional injections may be required based on your response to treatment.

Final Thoughts

A lumbar facet joint injection can be an effective way to manage lower back pain caused by arthritis or inflammation in the joints. It offers temporary relief that allows you to engage in exercises and therapies that promote long-term recovery.

If you have any questions about this procedure or your recovery, please contact our office for more information.