How does a facet joint injection work?
Zygapophseal joint injections are a diagnostic and a potentially therapeutic procedure. Diagnostically, a small amount of local anaesthetic is usually injected into the joint. Pain is usually assessed immediately after the procedure and patients complete a pain chart for later review by their doctor. If there is a resolution or a reduction in the symptoms as compared with the symptoms prior to the procedure, there usually is considered confirmation that the joint injected is producing pain. From a therapeutic standpoint, a small amount of corticosteroid is usually injected in addition to the local anaesthetic. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications. Reducing the inflammation in the joint will decrease the amount of joint effusion and therefore decrease distension of the capsule, which will often offer longer lasting pain relief. It is possible that this injection will block the pain long enough to allow the body to begin the process of repairing itself. The chief effe
