Consumer Information

Lumbar Facet Block

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A lumbar (LUM-bahr) facet (FAS-et) block is a procedure to inject medicines at facet joints in the lumbar (lower back) area of your spine (backbone). This procedure is done to decrease inflammation (swelling) of these facet joints usually caused by accidents or spinal surgery. The swelling of these joints may cause long-standing pain in your lower back, buttocks, or legs. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae that are like blocks placed on top of each other. The spine protects the spinal cord, and nerves coming to and from the spinal cord. Facet joints are found at the back of each vertebrae, one pair facing upward, the other facing downward. They have nerves inside and around them that may cause pain when they are damaged or pinched.
During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted along the lumbar spine to the facet joint. Your caregiver will first inject a small amount of anesthesia (numbing medicine). He may then inject medicine for inflammation. With a lumbar facet block, your long-standing back or leg pain may be treated, and you may resume your usual activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

You have a fever (increased body temperature).
You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
You have a bad headache that does not go away even after taking medicine.
You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
You have questions or concerns about your condition, procedure, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

You feel some parts of your body are numb, tingly, cool to touch, or look blue or pale.
You have pain in your back, buttocks, or leg that does not go away or gets worse.
You have trouble breathing or chest pain all of a sudden.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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