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Facet joints are small joints on either side of each vertebra in the spinal column. They connect each vertebra with the vertebra above and below. These joints help us to bend forward and backward and to a limited extent to the side. Facet joint blocks are injections of local anesthetic with or without cortisone into the facet joints.

What are the diagnostic blocks of the facet joints?
Each facet joint is supplied by two small nerves. In diagnostic blocks for facet joints, local anesthetic is used to numb these tiny nerves to block the pain impulses going to the brain. In addition to this, a small amount of cortisone may also be used which can help to reduce inflammation. These diagnostic blocks help to find out whether the facet joints are the cause of the back pain.

How long does the procedure take?
Depending upon the number of nerves or joints being blocked, it may take up to 15 minutes.

How is the procedure performed?
The procedure is done as an outpatient at our surgical suite under fluoroscopy (live X-ray guidance). An IV is started and you will receive sedation through the IV before and during the procedure. A local anesthetic (like Xylocaine) is injected into the skin and tissues below, prior to the placement of the needle for the facet block.

I am afraid of needles. Will I have a lot of pain?
Your physician at Midwest Pain Treatment Center will do everything possible to do the procedure with minimal, if any, pain. As explained above, you will be given sedation intravenously and numbing medication (local anesthetic) at the site of the needle placement.

Can I be sedated for the procedure?
Yes. You will be awake but usually very comfortable during the procedure. On occasion we will need to interact with you. It is likely that you will have no memory of the actual procedure. You are required to have a driver remain in the facility before and during the procedure, then drive you home following the procedure.

What should I expect after the procedure?
This procedure is done for diagnostic purposes. If the source of your pain is from these joints, you should have pain relief for a period of two to four hours after the injection. Please record the time period and percent of relief you felt from the injection and bring with you to your post-procedure follow-up. This will help in determining the next step of treatment.

What should I do after the procedure?
After the procedure, you will be required to have someone drive you home. You should try to reproduce your pain immediately after the injection and record how you feel. The next day you should be able to resume your normal daily activities that you were doing prior to the procedure.

Can I go to work the next day?
If you are working prior to the procedure, you can go back to work the day after the procedure. If you are not working prior to the procedure, because of the pain and other problems, you should discuss this with your physician at Midwest Pain Treatment Center for further instructions.

How should I prepare for the procedure?
Unless otherwise instructed, you should not eat or drink anything 8 hours before the procedure. You can take all of your other medications except oral diabetic meds with a sip of water the morning of the procedure. Diabetics, please discuss with you physician regarding your other diabetic medications.