What Aftercare Is Needed After Facet Joint Injections? What To Do & What To Expect

Once you have gotten a facet joint injection, you’ll likely feel almost immediate relief from the pain that you were experiencing. But what happens next? The journey to lasting pain relief doesn’t end when you leave the doctor’s office, rather, proper aftercare is crucial to ensuring that the benefits are maximized.

Our pain management team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills explains what aftercare is needed, what to do when you arrive home after the procedure, and how to boost your recovery.

What Are Facet Injections?

Facet joint injections are a common procedure that is used to alleviate back or neck pain caused by inflamed facet joints in the spine. These joints can be painful due to injury, arthritis, or stress.

The procedure is quite simple and involves the injection of a local anesthetic or steroid medication directly into the affected facet joint. By numbing the joint and using steroids to reduce inflammation, these injections provide temporary relief for those who are suffering from chronic neck and back pain.

It’s important to note that while these injections can be effective in managing symptoms, they do not address the underlying cause of the pain, so we like to recommend them as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that treats the cause as well.

Are Facet Joint Injections Painful?

Generally, no. You will likely feel pain relief right away, but the pain may return once the numbing medicine wears off. If your injection included a steroid, take note that it can take a few days to work.

Facet Joint Injection Aftercare

After receiving a facet joint injection, post-treatment care is quite important. It’s common to experience slight soreness at the injection site for a few days after the procedure.

We recommend applying ice packs to the injection site to help alleviate any discomfort and to help reduce inflammation.

Strenuous activity and exercises that might strain the injection site should be avoided in the days following the injection when you are recovering.

We also suggest that patients monitor their pain levels and look out for any changes in symptoms. If you experience any persistent pain or reactions due to the procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills.

Last, be sure to maintain proper posture and incorporate gentle stretching and exercises to promote long-term recovery and effectiveness of the injection.

How Often Should Facet Joint Injections Be Done?

Remember, facet joint injections do not offer permanent pain relief. This means that you may have to have one or two injections over a six-month timeframe. We don’t recommend that patients receive more than three injections during this time.

Visit Impact Medical Zephyrhills Today

If you are tired of living with chronic neck or back pain, a facet joint injection might be just what you need. Our experienced pain management team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills offers personalized care that will help you find the relief you deserve.

Don’t let discomfort hold you back, schedule an appointment with our pain management specialist by calling (813) 706-5156 today.