Facet Joint Block Injections in Oklahoma City

No, a facet joint injection is not the same as a nerve block. While the primary goal of both these procedures is to manage pain, they target different pain pathways within the body. A facet joint injection is made up of local anesthetic and steroids and involves injecting it directly into the facet joints to reduce pain and inflammation. It also helps find out the source of pain. On the other hand, a nerve block involves injecting medication near or directly into the nerves for pain relief.

A facet joint block injection is a medical procedure that we use to diagnose the pain source as well as provide temporary pain relief. It involves inserting the injection directly into the facet joints located on each side of the vertebra. This injection is made up of local anesthetic for numbing effect as well as steroid for pain relief. The pain relief from a facet joint block injection may last anywhere between a few weeks to a few months, depending on the person.

Typically, a facet joint injection costs between $649 and $1,167 for a single injection. However, depending on your insurance provider’s policies, the cost may vary. Your insurance provider may cover the cost partially if the treatment is medically necessary.

A facet joint block can cost anywhere from $649 up to $1,167 for a single procedure. A surgery center charges you $649, whereas an outpatient center charges you $1,167. Factors like your location, the type of facet joint block you choose, the type of facility you get it at, insurance, and additional services like anesthesia and MRIs will determine the final cost.  

Selective facet joint blocks are medical procedures that serve as a diagnostic and pain-relieving tool for back or neck pain. These blocks help identify if your facet joints are the source of the pain you’re experiencing. In a selective facet joint block, your doctor will inject a numbing drug directly into the facet joints of your spine. Facet joint blocks are great tools to pinpoint the source of pain and also provide immediate pain relief.

The relief from a facet joint injection can range from a few weeks to several months, varying from person to person. The specific duration of relief depends on things like your health condition, any additional medications you’re taking, and your overall response to the injection. It’s worth noting that a facet joint injection provides temporary pain relief and is useful for diagnostic purposes. For long-term pain management, you may need additional treatment and medication.

A facet joint injection costs roughly between $649 to $1,167 for a single procedure in Oklahoma. The final bill depends on the following factors–

• Location
• The type of healthcare facility (hospital or outpatient center)
• The specific injection you get
• Insurance coverage
• Additional services such as X-rays and anesthesia

While the procedure causes some level of discomfort, the pain you experience during a facet injection depends on your pain tolerance. The experience varies from person to person. Before the injection, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. Doing so helps reduce pain during the procedure. As the local anesthetic numbs the skin, you may feel pinching or burning sensations. After inserting the needle, you may feel a little bit of pressure and discomfort. Remember, it is uncommon to feel extreme during the injection, and you must communicate with your healthcare provider if that’s your case.

At Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management, here’s how we determine if a facet joint injection is necessary–

• We will evaluate your current symptoms (chronic back pain, stiffness, etc.)
• We will conduct a physical exam to examine your spine
• We may need imaging scans like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
• If needed, we will use a diagnostic facet joint block to confirm the pain source

Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve). Remember that it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations, as they know your specific condition and needs. They may prescribe stronger medications if the over-the-counter pain relievers don’t work. Before taking any new medications, always consult your doctor first.

A neurolytic agent paravertebral facet joint injection is a medical procedure that we use to provide pain relief from pain coming from the facet joints in the spine. We inject a neurolytic agent near the affected facet joint, and doing so disrupts the pain signals. This type of facet injection is an alternative to other options that aren’t successful in providing pain relief.

You may experience the following things after a facet joint pain injection–

• You may notice some numbness in your neck and back after a few hours
• The injected areas may feel weak
• You might get complete pain relief or a significant pain reduction
• You may feel no improvement, or your pain might worsen

Remember, every individual’s experience after a facet joint pain injection will be different. It can take up to 2 weeks to notice a change in pain levels. If your facet joint pain injection is successful, you can experience pain relief for several months.