Targeted care for lower back, hip, buttock, and referred leg pain. Minimally invasive, image-guided injections to help identify and manage pain coming from the facet joints of the lower spine.
Lumbar facet joint injections are minimally invasive, image-guided injections placed into or near the facet joints of the lower spine. They usually contain a local anesthetic that temporarily numbs the area and may also include an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, they are used to help diagnose and manage pain that may be coming from the facet joints in the lower back.
The injection may serve two purposes:
Lower back pain can come from many structures, including discs, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and joints, so accurate diagnosis matters before choosing a treatment plan.
Lumbar facet pain can develop from arthritis, injury, repetitive bending or twisting, mechanical stress, or age-related spinal changes. It may stay in the lower back or spread to the hips, buttocks, or thighs. You may be evaluated for a lumbar facet joint injection if you experience any of these symptoms. These symptoms do not always confirm facet joint pain; your provider will review your history, exam findings, and imaging before recommending treatment.
Pain may feel deep, aching, or sore in the lower back rather than sharp or shooting.
Discomfort may worsen when bending backward, twisting, or standing for long periods.
Facet pain can refer discomfort into the hips, buttocks, or upper legs.
Stiffness may appear after waking, sitting too long, or changing positions.
Irritation may become more noticeable with movement and ease when the spine is supported or rested.
Pain may affect walking, climbing stairs, standing upright, or getting in and out of a car.
Before the procedure, your medical history, symptoms, medications, and allergies are reviewed. You may receive specific instructions, especially if you take blood thinners.
A lumbar facet joint injection is usually an outpatient procedure. You lie on an X-ray table, the skin over the lower back is cleaned and numbed, and Dr. Ajith Nair uses X-ray guidance to direct a small needle toward the targeted facet joint. A small amount of contrast dye may confirm placement before a mixture of numbing and anti-inflammatory medication is slowly injected.
Lumbar facet joint injections may offer several potential benefits when used for the right patient and condition. The goal is not a permanent cure, but to better understand your pain and guide the next step in your care. Results vary, the procedure is not appropriate for everyone, and as with any injection there are possible risks such as temporary soreness, bruising, bleeding, infection, or a brief increase in pain, though serious complications are uncommon.
Recovery is usually straightforward. Here is what most patients can expect in the hours and days after a lumbar facet joint injection.
About 20 to 30 minutes after the procedure, you may be asked to move in ways that normally trigger your pain to check whether symptoms improve. You may also be asked to record pain levels in a pain diary, especially for diagnostic injections.
Mild soreness or an unusual sensation in the treated area is common for a few hours. Some patients notice a temporary increase in pain for a few days before the steroid takes effect. Ice usually helps more than heat for the first two to three days. Improvement, when it occurs, often begins within two to five days.
Most patients can resume regular medications, but you may be asked to limit pain medication for four to six hours so diagnostic results stay accurate. Do not stop blood thinners or chronic medications unless your provider instructs you to.
Do not drive or do strenuous activity on the day of the injection. Most patients return to light activity the next day, then increase exercise gradually over one to two weeks as pain improves.
At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, cancer pain management is approached with compassion, safety, and clear communication. Our team works to understand your pain source, current treatment plan, medication use, and quality-of-life goals, and discusses advanced options when appropriate to improve comfort while supporting your overall cancer care plan.
If you or a loved one is experiencing cancer-related pain, schedule a consultation with Kentuckiana Pain Specialists to discuss advanced pain management options. Call (502) 995-4004 today.
