The Pain Gets Worse After Facet Joint Injections: What to Do?

If you’re one of the many people who suffer from chronic back pain, you may have considered facet joint injections as a treatment option.

While this procedure can be successful for some people, it often doesn’t provide long-term relief from pain. In fact, for some patients, the pain gets worse after receiving facet joint injections. What should you do if this happens to you? Keep reading to find out!

What are facet joint injections and what do they treat?

Facet joint injection is a type of intramuscular injection used to deliver medication directly into the facet joints with the help of local anesthesia.

Intramuscular injections are a type of medication delivery method that involves inserting a needle deep into the muscles. This allows the medicine to be absorbed into the circulation more quickly.

Facet joints are small joints located in the spine that allow for movement and flexibility. Facet joint injections are typically used to treat pain that is associated with arthritis or other degenerative conditions.

What should I do if the pain worsens after facet joint injections?

Facet joint injections are a common treatment for low back pain and arthritis. The procedure involves injecting epidural steroid injections into the facet joints, which are located in the lumbar spine.

Facet joint injections can provide relief from pain and inflammation, but they are not always effective.

In some cases, the pain may actually worsen after the injection. If this happens, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain.

• First, try to stay active. Exercise and physical activity can help to reduce pain and stiffness. You may also want to apply heat or ice to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and swelling.
  If the pain is severe, you may need to take pain medication. Facet joint injections are usually not painful, but you may feel some discomfort afterward.
  The pain should improve within a few days. If it does not, contact your doctor.
• If your shot site feels painful or tingly, apply an ice pack or a cold compress for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Place a small towel between the ice and your skin.

How are facet joint injections administered and what are the risks associated with them?

The procedure is performed using x-ray guidance to ensure accuracy and safety.

A small needle is inserted into the facet joint and a local anesthetic is injected. The needle is then removed and the area is covered with an ice pack.

The injection site may be sore for the first day or so but this usually resolves with over-the-counter pain medication.

Facet joint injections are usually an outpatient procedure and can be performed in a doctor’s office or clinic.

Most patients can return to their normal activities the next day.

However, it is important to avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

It is also important to avoid taking blood thinners or NSAIDs for at least 24 hours as these can increase the risk of bleeding.

What are the potential risks and side effects of facet joint injections?

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with facet joint injections.

The most common side effects include soreness at the injection site, bruising, and swelling.

Other potential side effects include allergic reactions, neck pain, and lower back pain.

Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a few days.

A study found that there is a risk of delayed onset of a spinal epidural hematoma after facet joint injection. (Source: PubMed Central)

In that case, shows that even a delayed onset of spinal epidural hematoma is possible and should be kept in mind as a possible cause of acute myelopathy after the spinal intervention.

Hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually in liquid form within the body. In other words, known as bad bruised blood.

Delayed-onset spinal epidural hematoma is a serious but rare complication that can occur after any spinal intervention, including facet joint injection. Facet joint injections are generally safe and effective, but there is a small risk of complications such as bleeding or infection.

What are the benefits of facet joint injections?

Facet joint injections can provide immediate pain relief for patients who are suffering from facet joint pain.

The injections can also help to diagnose the source of the pain and determine if other treatments, such as physical therapy or radiofrequency ablation, may be necessary.

In some cases, facet joint injections can provide long-term pain relief.

Facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pain caused by arthritis or other conditions that affect the facet joints. Facet joints are small joints located in the spine that allow the spine to move and flex.

Arthritis is a common condition that can cause the facet joints to become inflamed, which can lead to pain.

Facet joint injections can provide immediate pain relief and help to diagnose the source of the pain. In some cases, facet joint injections can provide long-term pain relief.

What are the steps involved in a facet joint injection?

The first step is to consult with your health care provider to see if a facet joint injection is right for you.

If it is determined that a facet joint injection is the best course of treatment, a date will be scheduled for the procedure.

On the day of the procedure, you will be asked to arrive early so that you can sign consent forms and have any final questions answered.

You will then be taken to the procedure room and asked to lie down on your stomach.

A local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area. Once the area is numb, a small needle will be inserted into the facet joint and a contrast dye will be injected.

The contrast dye helps to ensure that the medication is being injected into the correct location.

Once the needle is in place, the medication will be injected. The needle will then be removed and a small bandage will be placed over the injection site.

You will then be taken to a recovery area where you will be monitored for any side effects or reactions.

Most patients can go home the same day as the procedure.

What can you expect after a facet joint injection procedure is performed on you?

After the facet joint injection, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be monitored for any complications. You will then be able to go home.

Most people experience relief from pain within a few days of the injection. If the pain does not improve, or if it worsens, contact your doctor.

Facet joint injections are generally safe, but there are a few risks. These include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Facet joint injections are not typically painful, but you may experience some discomfort afterward.

The pain should improve within a few days.

Are there any long-term side effects associated with facet joint injections, and how common are they?

Facet joint injections are generally considered a safe and effective treatment for chronic back pain, but there are potential risks and side effects associated with any medical procedure.

Injections into the facet joints can sometimes cause temporary worsening of pain, and there is also a small risk of active infection.

Long-term side effects are rare but can include damage to the facet joints or surrounding nerves.

Facet joint injections can be an effective treatment for chronic back pain, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects before undergoing the procedure.

How effective are facet joint injections in treating pain relief, and how long do the effects usually last?

Facet joint injections usually contain a local anesthetic and a steroid medication. The local anesthetic numbs the area around the injection site while the steroid reduces inflammation.

Facet joint injections can provide temporary pain relief for several weeks or longer.

The effects of the injections typically last longer than the pain relief provided by other treatments, such as over-the-counter pain medications or physical therapy.

However, the source of pain may return after a period of time, and additional injections may be necessary to maintain pain relief.

Are there any alternatives to facet joint injections that can be explored if someone is hesitant about getting this type of treatment done?

Yes, there are other options available for those who are experiencing back pain. Some other options include:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Yoga
• Pilates

References:

• PubMed Central. Case report of “Delayed onset of a spinal epidural hematoma after facet joint injection”: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5077070/