Facet Joint Injections
Clearwater, Tampa, St Petersburg, Florida & Lost Angeles, Beverly Hills, California
What is a Facet Joint Injection?
The facet joints are located along the spine at each vertebrae level. When a facet joint becomes inflamed and swollen, nerves become irritated, causing pain. A facet joint injection contains an anesthetic with cortisone (a long lasting steroid). The injection of steroids reduces inflammation within the joints.When the swelling is reduced, joint pain and nerve irritation significantly improve or completely disappear.
How is a Facet Joint Injection Performed?
Facet joint injections are performed in a comfortable room at our office. With the patient lying on their stomach, we clean the area of the back with an antiseptic solution.Using a fluoroscope provides a live x-ray image of the vertebrae to accurately guide needle placement for the injection. The injection procedure only take a few minutes. A band-aid covers the injection site.Substantial pain relief occurs around the fifth day after the initial injection.The effect of the facet joint injection (anesthetic and cortisone) can last from several days to many months. If you do not feel relief after two weeks from the date of your first visit, we may recommend additional injections and/or procedures.
Potential Side Effects or Complications of a Facet Joint Injection
As with any procedure, there is the potential risk for side effects or complications.Fortunately, the most common side effect of a facet joint procedure is discomfort at the injection site. Potential side effects of having cortisone are: fluid retention, weight gain, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, mood swings, increased blood sugar and the suppression of natural cortisone production within the body. If you have any questions about the potential side effects of having a facet joint injection, we would be happy to discuss any concern you may have.
If you continue to suffer with chronic pain and would like to explore if facet injections are an appropriate treatment option, contact Dr. Lox for an appointment at 727-462-5582. Since 1990, Dennis M. Lox, M.D has applied his personal interests in sports medicine, cutting-edge regenerative medicine and chronic pain management to helping patients increase their quality of life.
Serving Tampa Bay Area, FL and Los Angeles, CA
Dennis M. Lox, MD, serves patients within the greater Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida as well as the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area of Beverly Hills, California.
All statements, information or opinions provided by this website are provided for educational purposes only. We do not diagnose nor treat through this website or by telephone. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.
