Facet Injection

A facet injection is an injection of a long lasting steroid in one or more of the joints in the back. The injection is used to reduce the inflammation or swelling in the joint space. This can reduce pain, tingling, numbness or other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Before the Procedure
Certain medications may increase your risk of bleeding and may need to be held prior to your procedure. You may resume these medications the day after your procedure unless otherwise instructed.

During the Procedure
During the facet injection you will lie on your stomach on the x-ray table. Your skin is cleaned and numbing medication will be given where the needle will be placed, using x-ray guidance to ensure proper placement. Two different medications are injected into the joint. A short acting anesthetic agent is injected for temporary pain relief lasting about 4-5 hours. A steroid is injected for long-term pain relief, and begins working in 3-5 days.

After the Procedure
After the procedure you may resume your normal activities as tolerated. Watch for signs of infection at the injection site such as redness, swelling, tenderness, fever or drainage from the site.

Your doctor will be contacted with the results of your test and will discuss the results with you.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or contact Imaging Services at (320) 255-5619.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A / South Entrance

____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance