Lumbar Facet Joint Block Injection in San Antonio, TX

A lumbar facet joint block involves the injection of local anesthetic into the joints located along the sides of the vertebrae. Damage to the lumbar facet joints contributes significantly to chronic lower back pain. This type of pain can have adverse effects on nearly all aspects of an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life, hindering daily functions, work, and physical activity, and even having profound effects on their mental health.
 
Individuals experiencing chronic back pain, reduced mobility, and decreased flexibility may potentially benefit from lumbar facet joint blocks. When used therapeutically, lumbar facet joint blocks are utilized in managing arthritis pain and treating a wide range of chronic pain causes.

In addition to its effectiveness in providing pain relief as a treatment option, a lumbar facet joint block may also be used diagnostically to pinpoint the exact area causing the pain to improve treatment outcomes.

How often individuals can receive facet joint injections depends entirely on their specific circumstances. Typically, patients should not undergo an excess of three facet joint injections over the course of a full year. The frequency of injections can be influenced by how well patients respond to the treatment.
 
If minimal pain relief is experienced, another injection may be administered relatively soon, or different treatment options may be explored. For those who experience long-term and significant pain relief, ongoing injections, approximately every four months, may become part of their customized recovery plan coordinated with the experts at San Antonio Pain Consultants.

The lumbar facet injection procedure is relatively quick, typically taking 10 to 30 minutes to complete, after which patients can return home. Minimal preparation is required on the patient’s part; however, they should have someone available to drive them home.
 
The pain management specialists at San Antonio Pain Consultants will review each patient’s medical history and medications and provide advice on any additional considerations as needed. Sedation is infrequently administered, so patients typically remain awake throughout the injections. During the procedure, an X-ray device is carefully maneuvered along the spine to precisely identify the target area.
 
Before the injections, the skin is marked, and a numbing agent is applied to anesthetize the area. Patients might experience a minor pinch or a slight burning sensation at these marked sites. There could also be sensations of pressure or muscle twitches. It’s possible that back pain may show immediate improvement due to the effects of the local anesthetic. It’s highly important for patients to monitor their condition as well as how their pain feels and registers throughout the rest of the day. Whether the lumbar facet injection is used diagnostically or therapeutically, the level of pain relief the patient experiences will influence treatment going forward.

The duration of the effects of a lumbar facet block can vary considerably from patient to patient. Factors such as the treated condition, overall health, the specifics of the treatment plan, and more can all influence the longevity of the procedure. Often, patients will experience immediate pain relief, which can extend for weeks or months, and sometimes even longer.
 
In addition to the pain relief provided by lumbar facet blocks independently, they empower patients to work through other elements of their recovery plan, such as physical therapy, with greater success, facilitating improved pain relief outcomes.
 
Certain patients respond so well to lumbar facet blocks that they are implemented as part of their ongoing treatment plan and play a crucial role in long-lasting pain relief.

Our board-certified pain management specialist Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D. offers Lumbar facet joint block injections at San Antonio Pain Consultants. To learn more, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, and surrounding areas.