This examination uses contrast dye to pinpoint the source of pain within the facet joints of the spine. It also uses therapeutic steroids and local anesthetic to decrease the pain and inflammation that may be present in this area. Pain relief from a facet joint injection procedure varies from minimal to long-term, depending on the specific symptoms.

The procedure takes 10-30 minutes and you will be asked to wait 30-40 minutes after your procedure before leaving. Using a thin needle and fluoroscopy (x-ray) for guidance, the radiologist will place contrast, anesthetic, and steroid into the facet joint. During the procedure you may feel some slight pressure or discomfort. The radiologist will be interested in how this discomfort compares to your usual pain symptoms. In addition, your doctor will want you to keep track of any changes in your pain symptoms in the days and weeks following the injection in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Information extracted from CID - Center for Diagnostic Imaging
http://www.cdirad.com/

For more information:

Low Back Pain.com
http://www.lowbackpain.com/facetJoint.htm

Spine Universe - Lumbar Facet Joint Injection
http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatment/drugs
/injections/ag_lum_facetjoint_200200.html