A facet joint injection is an injection of local anesthetic (numbing medicine) and corticosteroid into one or more of the small joints located along the side of each vertebra on both sides of the spine in the lower part of the back. Multiple injections may be performed, depending upon how many joints are involved. A facet joint block may be diagnostic (a test to see if your pain is coming from this area) and/or therapeutic (to relieve your pain).
Most people say the stinging/burning of the numbing medicine is the most uncomfortable part of the procedure (this lasts only a few seconds); however, some will need anti-anxiety medication before the procedure. Very few patients will need IV sedation.
Your back pain may be improved immediately after the injection as a result of the local anesthetic. It is essential to keep track of how you feel for the rest of the day. We encourage you to move around and do your usual activities. You must keep track of the amount of pain relief you receive as well as how long the pain relief lasts. Your feedback about pain relief after the procedure will guide us in deciding the next step in your treatment.
Learn more about facet joint injections by watching an educational video.
Our interventional pain physician, Dr. Anil K. Sharma, is a leading practitioner of state-of-the-art techniques specializing in the use of minimally-invasive techniques to treat spinal disorders. He has performed over 70,000 spinal procedures in his 27+ years of clinical practice.
Our specialists treat all major painful conditions from refractory headaches to spine and extremity pain. Learn more about just some of the conditions we treat and treatments we offer by viewing educational videos provided by our office.
Our office is centrally located for patients in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Our state-of-the-art procedure room includes the newest C-arm and Ultrasound machines for office-based procedures. We also have accredited surgical centers in Shrewsbury, Toms River, and Neptune.