Lumbar Facet Injection for Chronic Lower Back Pain

If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, lumbar facet injections may be recommended to help relieve your discomfort. While the procedure can offer significant pain relief, it's important to understand the potential risks and side effects involved. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about lumbar facet injections, including the possible complications and how to minimize them.

What Are Lumbar Facet Injections?

Lumbar facet injections are a minimally invasive treatment used to reduce pain caused by inflammation or damage to the facet joints in the lower back. These joints connect the vertebrae and allow for movement and stability in your spine. When these joints become irritated, they can cause pain that radiates to other areas like the hips or thighs.

During the procedure, a doctor injects a mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication (typically a corticosteroid) directly into the affected facet joints. This helps reduce inflammation and provides relief from chronic lower back pain.

Risks and Side Effects:

Although lumbar facet injections are generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects that can occur. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Temporary Pain Increase
• Some patients may experience an increase in pain at the injection site shortly after the procedure. This is usually mild and lasts for a few days before improving as the medication begins to take effect.

• Infection
• Anytime the skin is punctured, there’s a small risk of infection. Your healthcare provider will take precautions to minimize this risk by cleaning and sterilizing the area before the injection. However, if you experience redness, swelling, or fever after the procedure, it’s important to contact your doctor.

• Bleeding or Hematoma
• Because the injection involves a needle, there is a small chance of bleeding or the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood outside of blood vessels) at the injection site. Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications may have a slightly higher risk.

• Nerve Damage
• Although rare, there is a small risk of nerve injury during the procedure. This can occur if the needle accidentally touches a nerve or if the surrounding tissues become irritated. This is one reason why a skilled doctor using imaging guidance (such as fluoroscopy) is essential to ensure the needle is placed correctly.

• Allergic Reactions
• In some cases, patients may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic or corticosteroid used during the injection. If you have known allergies, make sure to inform your doctor before the procedure.

• Temporary Numbness or Weakness
• Some patients experience temporary numbness or muscle weakness in the lower back or legs after the injection. This is usually short-lived and resolves within a few hours as the anesthetic wears off.

Long-Term Side Effects: What to Know

While most side effects are temporary, there are some long-term risks to consider if corticosteroid injections are used repeatedly:

• Bone Thinning (Osteoporosis): Frequent use of corticosteroids can weaken bones over time, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in patients with pre-existing bone conditions.
• Weakened Immune System: Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections if used too frequently.

It’s important to work closely with your doctor to limit the number of steroid injections you receive and explore other treatment options if needed.

Certain patients may be at a higher risk for complications from lumbar facet injections, including:

• People with diabetes: Corticosteroids can raise blood sugar levels, so it’s important for diabetic patients to monitor their levels closely after the injection.
• Patients with bleeding disorders: As mentioned earlier, those with clotting issues or who take blood thinners may have a slightly higher risk of bleeding.
• Patients with compromised immune systems: People with autoimmune disorders or those on medications that suppress the immune system may be more prone to infections.

• Always discuss your medical history with your doctor to ensure the procedure is safe for you.
  

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of side effects:

• Choose an experienced provider: Make sure your doctor is skilled in performing lumbar facet injections and uses imaging guidance to ensure proper needle placement.
• Follow pre- and post-procedure instructions: Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to follow before and after the injection, such as avoiding certain medications or activities.
• Monitor for any side effects: If you notice unusual symptoms like increased pain, swelling, or fever, contact your doctor immediately.



At Arizona Pain Solutions, we know how chronic back pain can impact your quality of life. Our team of experts is here to provide personalized care and help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. If you’ve been recommended for lumbar facet injections, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

If you're considering lumbar facet injections or want to learn more about how they can help with chronic lower back pain, contact Arizona Pain Solutions today. Our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Feel free to leave a comment below with your experiences or share this post with someone who might benefit from the information.

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