If Facet Joint Injections Don’t Work: What Next?
Facet joint injections can help relieve the pain in the affected joints, but what if they don’t work? Are there any other options?
The answer is yes. Although, facet joint injections can be an effective way to manage lower back pain.
It’s a minimally invasive procedure that treats pain in the lower back by injecting a solution directly into the facet joints.
However, in some cases, facet joint injections don’t work.
If you’ve had this procedure done and still experience lower back pain, don’t lose all hope.
Below, we will talk about several approaches to managing your condition.
Discuss Your Concerns with Your Doctor
If you have tried facet joint injections and noticed little to no relief, the next important step is to discuss this with your doctor.
They could recommend an alternate therapy or diagnostic testing to find out the underlying cause of your pain.
Your medical professional and you can collaborate on developing the most effective treatment regimen for you.
What is an alternative to facet joint injections?
1. Physical Therapy
One of the most preferred alternative treatments for lower back pain is physical therapy
A physical therapist can help you create a customized exercise program that can help:
1.Strengthen your core muscles.
2.Increase your flexibility.
3.Reduce pain.
Depending on your medical condition, your physical therapist could use techniques like trigger point therapy or soft tissue mobilization, to relieve your pain.
2. Chiropractic Care
In chiropractic care, chiropractors make sure your spine is aligned and positioned correctly.
These physicians carefully adjust your spine’s alignment if there are any problems.
This can ease the pain and improve your body’s functioning. Many patients can find pain relief this way.
2. Radiofrequency Ablation
Another option to consider when facet joint injections don’t work is radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
It’s a painless procedure that uses radio waves to generate heat targeted at the nerves that are causing your pain.
This heat reduces the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain, which provides pain relief.
RFA treatments can last from 6 to 12 months, and the success rate is high—it ranges from 70%-80%.
3. Spinal Cord Stimulation
The spinal cord stimulation (SCS) could be an option if physical therapy and radiofrequency ablation don’t work.
SCS is a surgical procedure done by implanting a small device near the spine.
The device sends electrical impulses to your nerves to block the nerves from sending any pain signals to your brain.
The success rate of SCS is pretty high, especially for patients with chronic pain.
4.Caring for Mental Health
Focusing on your mental health can help you with your lower back pain.
Many people with chronic pain can suffer a decline in mental health with time.
You can ease your stress by seeing a therapist or connecting with people through a support group.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Exercise daily with a focus on core strength.
- Practice good posture.
- Ergonomically design your workspace.
- Take breaks if you’re sitting for a long period of time.
- Use a proper lifting technique.
- Stay hydrated.
- Stop smoking.
- Manage your stress.
- Wear supportive footwear.
- Choose the appropriate mattress and pillows.
- Stay active within your physical limits.
- Understand your condition and the treatment options available to you.
6. Surgery
If all other treatments are ineffective, surgery might be the last resort.
It’s an invasive procedure that involves a long recovery period, and the success rate varies depending on the specific condition being treated.
Although, before making any decisions about surgery, talk to your healthcare provider and carefully consider and weigh your options.
The Bottom Line
Facet joint injections might not work for everyone, and that’s alright. There are still alternative treatments available that you can consider.
One solution might not work for everyone. Your situation will determine the best option for you.
Your condition determines the best treatment plan.
You should consult your doctor because they can create a custom care plan for you that’s suitable and also works.
If you wish to learn more information, or need to discuss your options, please reach out to us and consult with one of our doctors at Primary Care of Kansas.
FAQs
What is the next step after facet joint injections?
Following the facet joint injection, you will need to rest for about 20 to 30 minutes afterward.
All depends on your response to the treatment, if you find relief then you can continue with your pain management plan but if your pain doesn’t subside, then you can discuss with your doctor about trying other treatments.
It could be physical therapy or visiting a specialist
How long does the relief from facet joint injections last?
Relief can vary, but it might last for weeks to months.
What can I expect after facet joint injections?
The injection area could stay sore for a few days, but the pain should subside soon.
What next if facet joint injections don’t work?
Consult your doctor about other possible options, like different treatments or tests to pinpoint the source of your pain.
Do facet joint injections hurt when administered?
The procedure is not painful.
Is it actually normal to experience leg pain after facet joint injections?
Some patients experience numbness, tingling, or weak legs afterward.
How long is the recovery period after a facet joint injection?
You’re likely to get back to doing your normal activities within a day or two.
What is a cervical facet joint injection?
It’s an injection in your neck’s facet joints—it targets neck pain.
What’s the course of treatment for cervical facet injections?
It involves a series of injections, and your doctor decides how many and how often to administer.
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