The small joints nestled alongside vertebrae that help keep the spine flexible are known as facet joints.
If you’ve sustained a personal or workplace injury that may have affected one of these small spinal joints, you may benefit from a facet block. These injections are sometimes given for diagnostic purposes if there is a need to confirm a source of pain.
They can also be used for therapeutic purposes if it’s already known that facet joint issues are the main source of your symptoms.
What Is a Facet Block?
A facet block is a minimally invasive procedure intended to “block” pain signals coming from the spine’s small joints. Given in injection form, a facet block includes a local anesthetic. If it’s being used for pain management purposes, medication will be included as well. A special type of real-time X-ray called a fluoroscopy is used to make sure the injection is properly placed. A facet block may be recommended if you are having issues or difficulties with:
- Inflammation around certain facet joints
- Managing pain and related symptoms
- Tolerating physical therapy
- Achieving an accurate diagnosis
How Do You Prepare for a Facet Block?
Before a facet block is administered, you’ll undergo a physical examination and a serious of tests. The reason for taking this step is to confirm sources of inflammation around certain facet joints. Image tests, in particular, can determine if your symptoms may be related to a spinal fracture or issues with spinal discs or bones.
How Is It Given?
Sedation isn’t usually necessary for this type of outpatient procedure. But you may prefer intravenous (IV) sedation if you are anxious about having a facet block injection. After you are properly situated on the exam table, a numbing agent will be applied to your skin to make the injection more conformable. With real-time X-ray guidance, the needle will be inserted into the facet joint. A small amount of contrast dye is injected to confirm the needle placement.
If the facet block is being given for pain management purposes, the injection typically includes an anesthetic, such as lidocaine, and some type of anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid). One variation on this procedure involves the use of a CT scan instead of a live X-ray to confirm needle placement. Facet blocks may also be placed near the affected spinal joint instead of directly into it.
What Happens After a Facet Block Injection?
If the injected facet joint is responsible for your discomfort, you’ll experience immediate relief from the anesthetic. There may be a slight increase in discomfort until the anti-inflammatory medication begins to work. If facet blocks are an effective pain management solution for you, injections may be repeated up to three times per year.
There may be some temporary soreness or irritation around the injection site, otherwise risks associated facet blocks are generally considered minimal. Injection therapy of any kind is usually not recommended for individuals with bleeding disorders or existing skin infections. Pregnant women may also be advised to hold off on having a facet block injection. If this pain management technique is right for you, it may be easier to participate in physical therapy, which may result in less reliance on pain medication not meant for long-term use.