Facet joints are small joints located along the spine that provide stability and allow the neck and back to move. When these joints become irritated or inflamed, they can contribute to persistent neck or lower back pain, stiffness, and discomfort with movement.
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help determine whether the facet joints are contributing to your symptoms.
How Do Facet Joint Injections Work?
During the procedure, medication is carefully delivered to the affected area. A local anesthetic can provide more immediate, temporary pain relief, while a corticosteroid works to reduce inflammation within the joint.
In some cases, a medial branch block may instead be performed to temporarily numb the small nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints. Your response can help guide future treatment, including whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be appropriate.
Who May Benefit From a Facet Joint Injection?
Facet joint injections may be considered for patients with persistent neck or lower back pain when the facet joints are suspected as a source, particularly when symptoms continue despite treatments such as medication, activity modification, or physical therapy.
What to Expect
Facet joint injections are performed on an outpatient basis using live X-ray guidance for precise needle placement. The procedure is relatively brief, and patients return home afterward.
Some temporary soreness around the injection area may occur. The amount and duration of pain relief varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated.
Supporting Better Movement
By reducing inflammation and pain, facet joint injections may make everyday movement, exercise, and physical therapy more comfortable. Your response to the procedure can also help your physician determine the most appropriate next step in your treatment plan.