Facet Joint Injections

Name: _____________________________________ MR# _________________

 

Date of Procedure: ______________________________ Time: ____________

 

If you are unable to keep this appointment

Please call the Radiology Clinic at (608) 263-8355

 

Your doctor has ordered a facet joint injection to help make your pain less.  This will also help find the cause of your low back pain.  How much relief is felt varies from patient to patient.  You may not feel any pain relief.  Many get a decrease or clearing of their pain for two weeks to more than one year.

 

You cannot have this treatment if

• You have not had an MRI or CT scan of your spine.
• You have an active infection, such as a cold or sinus infection.
• You may be pregnant.
• Your current weight is over 390 pounds.

 

Before the treatment

• If you are taking a blood thinner, please tell your doctor as you may be given special instructions.
• If you are taking only 1 aspirin a day for your heart, you can keep taking it.
• You may take any of the medicines that you use for your low back pain.
• Bring your pain medicine with you to take after the injection, if needed.

 

The day of the treatment

 

Report to the Radiology Department at UW Hospital 15 minutes before your visit.  Take the atrium elevators to the 3rd floor desk.

 

If you have an MRI or CT from another hospital you must bring it with you for the doctor to review.

 

The injection will be done by a radiologist.  It will take about 45 minutes.  You will lie on your stomach.  A fine needle will be placed into your back.  The medicine will be placed into the facet joint of the spine through this needle.

 

Possible problems

 

Serious problems after a facet joint injection are rare.  Infection or bleeding could occur.  You should discuss the procedure with the doctor after you check in.  Let the doctor know if you are diabetic or have had heart failure.

 

For 1-2 days after the treatment some patients may have

• Brief worsening of back or leg pain.
• Redness and flushing around the face.
• Fluid gain for 1-2 days, which could make it hard to breathe if you have heart problems.
• High blood sugars if you are diabetic.

 

Women of childbearing age may have changes with periods.  This may include mid cycle spotting.   If this goes on for more than 2 cycles, check with your primary doctor.

 

After the treatment

 

• Avoid any tiring activity or heavy lifting for 24 hours.  You may return to your normal routine as soon as you are able.  Take the rest of the day off work.
• You may take any of the medicines that you use for your low back pain.
• Contact the clinic which scheduled your exam 10-14 days after the treatment to tell your doctor of your amount of pain relief.  Discuss any questions about further treatment.
• Call the radiologist at the phone numbers below if you your back pain worsens, or you have chills or skin drainage at the injection site.  This may indicate infection or bleeding.

 

Signs of infection

 

• Fever greater than 100.4° F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
• Increased redness, swelling around the site
• Any drainage from the  site

 

Phone Numbers

 

The Radiology Service (608) 263-8355

 

After hours, this number is answered by the paging operator.  Ask for the Radiology resident on call.  Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 09/21/2007

Copyright © 09/05/2007 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5243

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