Facet & Epidural Blocks Hollywood
Effective Relief from Back Pain
Back pain can ruin your quality of life, making it almost impossible to do things like clean the house, drive, sit, stand, or walk. While back pain can be a complex problem, the good news is that modern medicine may be able to offer effective relief. Here at the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics of Hollywood, we are proud to offer facet and epidural blocks, also called facet and epidural injections. What are these treatments, and is one of them right for you? Continue reading below to discover some important information, or contact us so we can personally answer your questions.
What Are Epidural Injections?
When administering an epidural injection, we deliver a steroid medication into the space that surrounds the spinal nerves, known as the epidural space. The steroid serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory, so it can reduce the pain of inflamed nerves. It cannot actually treat an inflamed nerve by “unpinching” it, but it is typically a good way to relieve the pain associated with pinched or compressed nerves.
In addition to treating pinched nerves, an epidural injection may also be used to relieve the discomfort of spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and herniated discs.
This treatment may provide pain relief that lasts for a few weeks or a few months. Some patients experience results that last up to a full year.
What Are Facet Joint Injections?
Similar to epidural injections, facet joint injections are also sometimes recommended as a way to address back pain. However, they use a local anesthetic instead of a steroid. They are also administered in a slightly different location. They are placed in areas called facet joints, which are small joints in the spine that allow for movement. Because nerve roots pass through facet joints, this treatment can effectively treat pain.
Facet joint injections may be used to relieve the pain of arthritis, reduce discomfort in the neck or back, or treat facet joint syndrome.
Which Type of Injection Is Right for Me?
Even though epidural injections and facet joint injections are both effective for treating back pain, they are recommended in different situations. The one that is best for you will depend on what is causing your pain. After a thorough examination, we can recommend a treatment that fits your situation.
Basically, if it appears that your pain is related to your facet joints, we may recommend facet joint injections. An epidural block is more suited to other types of back pain, such as inflammation or compression in a specific nerve. Depending on the specifics of your case, you might benefit from both types of injections.
Would you like to learn more about facet joint and epidural blocks? Our Hollywood, FL, team is ready to answer your questions!
Epidural & Facet Joint Injection FAQs
How Often Can I Receive Epidural or Facet Joint Injections?
Epidural and facet joint injections in Hollywood may be administered multiple times to help provide sustained pain relief for people who are dealing with chronic discomfort. Some patients experience lasting relief after just one injection and require no further treatment, while others may benefit from receiving additional injections at various time intervals. The exact number and frequency of injections will depend on your individual response to the therapy and the underlying cause of your pain.
If you notice your pain returning as the effects of the injection wear off, contact our office. We will assess your situation and determine whether another injection is appropriate, or if it may be beneficial to explore alternative pain management strategies. Our goal is to design your treatment plan so it remains both effective and tailored to your evolving needs.
When Will I Start to Notice Results after My Injections?
The local anesthesia that is administered with the injections typically offers short-term relief from pain. As its effects diminish, some individuals may notice a temporary return of discomfort before they fully experience the benefits of treatment.
For both epidural steroid injections (ESI) and facet joint injections, many patients begin to experience a significant reduction in pain within several days to a week following the procedure. If you do not experience an improvement within ten days, it may indicate that this particular treatment is not providing the desired outcome. In such cases, we may have to start exploring other pain relief methods.
How Much Do Injections for Back Pain Cost?
We can discuss costs during your initial back pain consultation. Many health insurance plans provide coverage for both ESI and facet joint injections when they are considered to be medically necessary. Our team accepts insurance and can assist you as you navigate your benefits. Do not hesitate to provide your policy information so we can verify your benefits and work with your insurance company to help you get the benefits you are entitled to.
If you prefer to pay out-of-pocket, please inform us. We will make every effort to work with you so you can afford the treatment you need.
What Should I Do After I Receive ESI or Facet Joint Injections?
Our team will provide you with detailed post-treatment instructions following your procedure. Here are some key guidelines that you may have to follow:
- It is important to get sufficient rest. Take it easy for at least one or two days after your injection, refraining from any strenuous activity or exercise that may put you at risk of injury.
- If you experience any discomfort or swelling at the injection site, you may apply ice to the area to help alleviate these symptoms.
- You should wait before showering. It is typically advised to leave the bandage in place over the injection site for at least 24 hours. After this period, you may remove the bandage and resume your usual hygiene routine.
- If you are considering swimming or taking a bath, wait at least 48 hours after your injection to help promote proper healing and minimize any potential for infection.
- Consider keeping a pain journal so you can monitor your body’s response to the treatment.
Can Facet Joint Injections and Epidural Steroid Injections Be Combined with Other Therapies?
In certain cases, epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections may be administered together to address certain complex cases of back pain. These interventions are often incorporated alongside additional therapies to optimize results. For instance, our team may suggest participating in a structured physical therapy program, utilizing prescribed medications, and making specific lifestyle changes to help manage your condition more effectively.
