Download Pain and Spine Consultants

Pain and Spine Consultants
Instructions for Facet Joint Injection/Diagnostic Facet Nerve Block
█ Patient must have a driver.
█Should not have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to injection.
█Should take medications (especially pain and blood pressure medications) with a few sips of
water in the morning as they are prescribed.
█Should plan to be in the office for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Diabetic Patients:
█ If your appointment is before 10:00 am, do not eat breakfast, bring a snack and diabetic
medication/insulin to take after the procedure. If your appointment is after 10:00 am, please eat
breakfast and take medications before coming to your appointment.
█You will need to check your blood sugar more often and may need to speak with your primary care
physician if your blood sugar increases significantly.
What is a Facet Joint Injection/Facet Nerve Block?
A facet joint injection is a block that is performed to confirm that a facet joint is the source of pain
and at the same time decreases the pain and inflammation in the facet joint or joints. A diagnostic
facet nerve block is a procedure that determines if the facet joint is the source or major contributor
to your back pain. Steroids are not typically used in this situation.
How is it done?
A needle is inserted into the facet joint or facet capsule (and in the case of a diagnostic block, the
needle is placed close to the nerves that supply the joint in question) and an anesthetic is injected by
the physician into that space. This is done under live X-Ray (Flouroscope).
What Are The Side Effects And Risks Associated With An Epidural Steroid Injection?
Most patients may experience some injection site tenderness for 1-3 days following the injection.
This can be remedied with an ice pack on the injection site following the procedure, and a heat pack if
the pain persists after 24 hours. Headaches may occur. Infection, bleeding, nerve injury are rare but
possible risks. Spinal cord injury and death while very rare are also possible risks with any
procedure in the spine. The use of sterile techniques and live x-ray guidance further reduce the
chances of these problems occurring. Possible drug reactions may also exist. Please tell your doctor
of any allergies to medications and/or contrast/dyes.
Expected Results:
The goal of facet injections is to verify the diagnosis and assist with pain reduction. In a diagnostic
facet nerve block the pain relief may not last longer than the effect of the anesthetic, whit may be
anywhere from 2 – 6 hours.
I read, understand and received a copy of these instructions:
Patient Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________________________
Witness Signature: _________________________________Date:_______________________________