Facet Block Injection

A minimally invasive procedure to relieve back pain

The facet joints are small joints in the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), lumbar (low back), and sacral (bottom) regions of the spine. These joints help the spine move, but they also can become inflamed due to a number of conditions, such as:

• Arthritis
• Back or spine injuries
• Stress injuries

A facet block injection involves injecting steroid medication into a painful facet joint. This medication treats the inflammation and can reduce swelling and relieve pain in the area.

There is a small risk of complications from a facet block injection. These complications can include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling
• Temporary increase in pain

Pain Management Service, Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center
159 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617-243-6142

What to Expect From Your Occipital Nerve Block

When you arrive for your procedure, one of our nurses will speak with you about what your pain is like and how you manage daily activities. We’ll record the following vital health information:

• Allergies
• Blood pressure
• Brief health history
• Medications you’re currently taking
• Pulse
• Temperature
• Weight

It’s especially important to tell your nurse if you:
Are allergic to contrast dye, Betadine (iodine), or latex
Currently take blood thinners
Have diabetes or could be pregnant

Next, you’ll discuss the procedure with your doctor and go into the X-ray room, where we’ll help you onto a table. Once you’re comfortable, we’ll clean your skin with an antiseptic and numb it with a local anesthetic. Next, your doctor will use X-ray guidance to place a small needle into your lumbar nerve branch. We may use a small amount of contrast dye to make sure the needle is in the correct location. Once the needle is in place, your doctor will inject the medication into the facet joint. The entire procedure will take only a few minutes.

You should plan to stay with us for 15 to 20 minutes after your procedure. During this time, a nurse will go over any questions you may have and review your discharge instructions and required follow-up care.

When You Go Home After Your Facet Block Injection

After you return home from your procedure, you can return to your normal activities as long as you aren’t in pain. You likely can return to work and exercise the next day. Place ice on your injection site and take over-the-counter pain medications to ease any pain.

Many patients experience pain relief after their first or second facet block injection, while some patients will need three injections. Don’t be discouraged if your pain doesn’t go away immediately. You may need to make an appointment with your doctor to follow up or for another injection.

Talk to your doctor for more information about receiving a referral for a facet block injection, or call us at 617-243-6142 to request an appointment.