When it comes to lumbar facet injections, the effects of the steroid don't kick in right away. Generally, it takes two to seven days for patients to start feeling a reduction in pain. However, the immediate relief that comes from the local anesthetic used during the injection is usually felt right away. This effect wears off in a few hours, and the steroid begins to take effect in two to seven days.
The beneficial effects of steroids usually require two to three days to be effective, but in some cases, they may take up to five to seven days. If no change is noticed after a week, it's best to consult a doctor for further investigation. Facet joint injections are used to reduce pain in the small joints at the back of the spine, between the vertebrae. The injection consists of medications being injected close to the branches of the medial nerves, which supply sensory information to the facet joints. If an initial injection provided some degree of relief, a second injection can be given to reinforce this effect.
Doctors can recommend facet joint injections as often as three times a year, with each injection providing relief for up to four months. The procedure involves injecting a contrast medium (X-ray dye) into or near the facet joint that is thought to be causing the pain. Side effects of the injected steroid may include temporary weight gain, a temporary increase in blood sugar (mainly in diabetics), and temporary fluid retention. It's important to discuss any concerns about the steroid medication with your doctor before receiving an injection. Facet joint injections contain anti-inflammatory steroids and often also a local anesthetic. A facet joint injection is a procedure that identifies the source of irritation in the small joints in each segment of the spinal column.
They protrude from the vertebrae and meet the facet joints of the vertebra, either below or above them.