Why have a spinal injection?
Spinal injections are performed as a treatment, to reduce pain and inflammation within the spine, as a well as a diagnostic tool to confirm a suspected cause of the symptoms, thus allowing appropriate planning of further treatment. Spinal Injections
Facet Joint Injections
The facet joints are positioned at the back of the spine in pairs, connecting two adjacent vertebrae. They move when the spine and the intervertebral disc moves. They may become degenerate or arthritic, which may then become a source of back pain. Facet joint injections are used diagnostically to determine if they are the source of pain and therapeutically to reduce the inflammation.
How is a Cervical Facet Joint Injection performed?
The patient lies on their front on the operating table with their head on a head ring. Local anaesthetic is injected in to the back of the neck. The IT is then used to guide a special needle into the affected facet joints. Once the needle is in the correct position the local anaesthetic and steroid is injected into the facet joints.
How is a Lumbar Facet Joint Injection performed?
The patient lies on their front on the operating table. Local anaesthetic is injected in to the lower back. The IT is then used to guide a special needle into the affected facet joints. Once the needle is in the correct position the local anaesthetic and steroid is injected into the facet joints.
Post Procedure Recovery
Immediately following the procedure, patients spend approximately 30minutes within he recovery area of theatres where they are monitored. Following this, they are able to be discharged home.
- Patients will be unable to drive home and should not drive the following day.
- Patients are able to mobilize as comfortable but should take the following day off work.
- Patients should only experience minor pain following the procedure.
- Physiotherapy should be commenced following the procedure.
Complications
Complications are very rare, but as the needle is near the nerves, spinal cord and arteries complications include infection bleeding, nerve damage, paralysis and leakage of the Cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the nerves. (See Complications section).
