Facet Joint Injections

Overview
Each vertebra in the spine is connected to the vertebra above and below it by facet joints, which are located on both sides of the rear of the spine. A facet joint block can be both diagnostic and therapeutic for back or neck pain. A facet joint block injection can confirm whether the facet joints are indeed the source of pain and can help relieve the pain and inflammation.

1. Skin Numbed
A small area of skin is numbed with a local anesthetic injection.

2. Placement Confirmed
Guided by fluoroscopic x-ray, a needle is placed into the facet joint. The correct placement of the needle is confirmed by injecting contrast dye into the joint.

3. Medication Injected
A combination of a numbing anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid medication is delivered to the joint through a thin needle. Depending on the location of the pain, one or more injections may be administered. If the pain subsides after the injection, this suggests that the facet joint (or joints) injected were the cause of pain.

End of Procedure
Back or neck pain may disappear immediately after a successful block. However, once the numbing effect of the anesthetic wears off, pain may return. It usually takes 5 to 10 days for the steroid medication to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Effects may last several days or several months. Up to three injections may be given per year.