Facet joint injections are a common procedure used to reduce pain in the small joints at the back of the spine, between the vertebrae. It involves injecting medications close to the branches of the medial nerves, which supply sensory information to facet joints. If the injection is successful, you should expect to experience pain relief for several months. But what should you expect after receiving facet joint injections?It's important to not drive for 12 hours after the injection.
You may experience mild pain at the injection site for 24 to 48 hours, and it's best to avoid lifting heavy objects for at least 24 hours after the procedure. If you were sedated during the injection, do not drive for at least 24 hours afterwards. It's important to keep moving after the injection. This will help increase blood flow and reduce stiffness.
Walking is a great way to start. If you experience any pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain, you may be a good candidate for facet joint injections. It's important to follow up with your doctor as scheduled so that you can be sure that the injection was successful and that you are on track for recovery.