What is a lumbar facet joint injection?
The lumbar facet joints are small joints located along each side of the lumbar spine.  They help provide support to the back of the spine.  These joints can become arthritic and painful for a number of reasons.  The joints cause back pain that radiates into the buttock and hips.  Injection of local anesthetic and steroid into the joint can help relieve pain and treat inflammation of the lumbar facet joint.

---

How is the procedure performed?
We may start an intravenous line so that we can give you medication to relax you.  A small needle will be inserted in your back near the spine.  The needle will be inserted under fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray machine).  This helps your doctor guide the needle to its correct location.  When the needle is in the correct position, local anesthetic and steroid will be injected to temporarily anesthetize the joint and help decrease the inflammation.  The procedure is fairly short and you will be watched closely by our nurses in the recovery room after the procedure.

---

What can you expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you will likely notice improved pain relief.  Once the local anesthetic has worn off, typically after several hours, your pain may return.  After about 24-36 hours, the steroid will begin to start reducing the inflammation of the joint and give you longer pain relief; it may take up to one week to receive steroid effect.  You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

---

What are the side effects?
Anything more than a small amount of pain, bleeding or swelling at the site of the injection is unusual.  It is best to apply ice to the injection site for 20-30 minutes three or four times a day for the first few days after the injection.  If you develop any other problems, please call our office at 742-7030 so that we may recommend further action.