Facet Injections in New Jersey
What is a Facet Injection?
If you have neck, arm, lower back or leg pain (sciatica) stemming from inflammation of the facet joints you may benefit from a facet injection.  Typically it is recommended for those who fail to respond to the conservative treatments, such as oral anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, acupuncture or chiropractic manipulation therapy.  The doctor may wish to perform the injection as a diagnostic test to determine if the facet joint is causing the pain.  Facet injections may be helpful in treating inflamed facet joints caused by spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondylosis, herniated disc or arthritis.
A facet injection includes both a long-lasting corticosteroid and an anesthetic numbing agent. Â The drugs are delivered to the painful facet joint, either inside the joint capsule or in the tissue surrounding the joint capsule. Â Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and can be effective when delivered directly into the painful area. Â Reducing the pain will allow you to improve your spinal condition with physical therapy and an exercise program.
What conditions can a Facet Injection treat?
- Neck and Back Pain
- Knee Pain
Is a Facet Injection considered surgery?
No. It is considered a minimally invasive injection.Â
How does a Facet Injection work?
In a facet joint block, the physician uses a fluoroscopy to guide the insertion of the needle through the skin into the facet joint. Contrast material is sometimes injected into the joint and needle placement is confirmed using real-time x-ray or CT images. Then, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication are injected into the facet joint.
How long is the Facet Injection procedure?
The injection itself only takes a few minutes.
How long does the Facet Injection last?
The long-term effect of the medication cannot be predicted. Usually, the immediate effect is from the local anesthetic injected. This wears off in a few hours. The steroid starts working in about 2-7 days and its effect can last for some time.
How long does it take for a Facet Injection to work?
Shortly after the injection, you may notice that your pain may be gone or considerably less. This is due to the effect of the local anesthetic and lasts only for a few hours. Your pain may return and you may have some soreness at the injection site for a day or so. You should start noticing pain relief starting about 1-2 days after the procedure.
Is a Facet Injection covered by insurance?
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