Facet Joint Injections

Facet injections serve as a minimally invasive method to address pain caused by inflamed facet joints in the neck and back. The discomfort stemming from these joints often associates with conditions such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, or arthritis, manifesting as neck, back, or leg pain. Facet joint pain arises when one or more of these joints in your neck or back get irritated and swollen.

Understanding Facet Joints: Each vertebra has four facet joints connecting it to the vertebrae above and below. These injections can also serve as a diagnostic tool to confirm if the inflammation of facet joints is the primary cause of the patient’s discomfort.

Procedure for Facet Joint Injections: During a facet joint injection procedure, medication is introduced into the facet joint space. The duration of pain relief can vary depending on the nature of the medications used. These injections typically include a blend of a long-lasting steroid and a local anesthetic. Generally, the facet joint injection procedure is executed as a test injection and may offer several hours to prolonged pain relief. The steroid aims to reduce inflammation, potentially providing pain relief for a period ranging from a few days to several years. For individuals who attained successful but temporary pain relief, this procedure can be repeated up to three times a year.