What is it?

Facet joints are small joints in the spine that allow movement. Arthritis or inflammation of these joints can cause neck or back pain. Facet joint injections are used to provide temporary pain relief and help confirm the source of pain.

Preparation

• Bring prior relevant CT or MRI scans if done elsewhere.
• Inform us if you take blood thinners; some must be stopped 5–7 days before.
• Arrange someone to drive you home.

Risks

Facet joint injections are generally safe. Temporary numbness, tingling, weakness, or increased pain may occur and usually resolves within hours. Mild headache or flushing may occur. Steroids can affect blood sugar levels in diabetics. Rare risks include infection (<0.1%), bleeding, nerve irritation, or lung injury (thoracic spine injections only).

Procedure

The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and is performed under CT guidance while lying on your stomach. Local anaesthetic is used before a fine needle is placed into the facet joint and a mixture of steroid and anaesthetic is injected. Anaesthetic effects wear off after a few hours; steroid benefits may take 1–14 days.

Aftercare

Mild soreness is common. You will be observed briefly after the procedure before discharge. Do not drive for the rest of the day. Rest for 48 hours, then gradually return to normal activity.

Effectiveness

Approximately 75% of patients experience pain relief. Duration of relief varies from days to months. Repeat injections may be required but should be at least one month apart. No more than three injections per joint are recommended per year.