Before an injection, ask what question it is intended to answer. A diagnostic injection uses numbing medication to help assess whether a particular joint or nerve contributes to your pain. A treatment injection aims to relieve symptoms, sometimes with an anti-inflammatory medication.
An epidural injection and a facet block target different structures. Epidural injections may be considered for selected pain that travels into an arm or leg. Facet blocks assess pain associated with the small joints at the back of the spine.
Your response is useful information, so follow the team’s instructions for recording relief and activity. Discuss risks, medications, and the expected next step before treatment.