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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Having a lumbar facet block may carry certain risks, such as infection and bleeding. Other parts near your spine, such as nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles, and bones may be damaged. The medicines may spread to areas near the lumbar nerve and cause numbness in other areas. Even after a successful procedure, you may still have leg and lower back pain. If left untreated, the pain and problems you have will continue to be there and may even get worse. You may have trouble going back to your usual activities. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your procedure, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.
  
  
• Local anesthesia: This is medicine to make you comfortable during your procedure. It is a shot of medicine put into the skin. It is used to numb the area and dull your pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure.
  
  
• IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.
  
  
• Pre-op care: You may be given medicine right before your procedure or surgery. This medicine may make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You are taken on a stretcher to the room where your procedure or surgery will be done, and then you are moved to a table or bed.

During your procedure:

• You are asked to lie on your stomach, with your body slightly turned to the side. Your lower back is cleaned and covered with sheets to keep the procedure area clean. A medicine called local anesthesia is given to help control pain during the procedure.
  
  
• During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted near your lumbar spine to the affected facet joint. Your caregiver may use an x-ray with dye or a computerized tomography (CT) scan to help guide the needle. If he is sure the needle is placed properly, he injects medicines like long-lasting anesthesia and steroids (medicine for inflammation). Depending on your condition, your caregiver may need to insert another needle and inject medicines in other problem areas. Bandages or surgical tapes are then placed over the areas where needles were inserted.

After your procedure: You may be taken to a recovery room to rest. Caregivers will watch you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your caregiver says it is OK. When caregivers see that you are OK, you will be taken back to your hospital room. The bandages used to cover your puncture keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. A caregiver may remove the bandages soon after your procedure to check your wound.

• Medicines: Your caregiver may give you the following kinds of medicines:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
    
    
  • Medicines for pain, swelling, or fever: You may be given medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever while you are in the hospital. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease, a history of bleeding in your stomach, or any other medical problems. Also tell your caregiver about any allergies you have to medicines. Tell your caregiver about all other medicines, herbs, and supplements that you have taken lately.
  
  

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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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