Back or neck pain may be caused by a problem with your facet joints. If so, a facet joint injection may help. With this treatment, medicine is injected into certain facet joints. The injection can help your healthcare provider find problem joints. It may also ease your pain.

What is a facet joint?

Bones called vertebrae make up your spine. Each vertebra has flat surfaces (facets) that touch where the vertebrae fit together. These form a structure called a facet joint on each side of the vertebrae.

What is a facet joint injection?

One or more facet joints in your back or neck can become swollen and irritated (inflamed). This may cause pain. During a facet joint injection, medicine is injected into the inflamed joints. This treatment may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Pain relief may last for weeks, months or longer. If the pain returns, you may need another injection.

Possible risks and complications

Risks and complications are rare but can include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Prolonged increase in pain
  • Nerve damage (very rare)

Getting ready

To get ready for your treatment, do the following:

  • If you are not receiving sedation, the facet joint injection can be done in the office. You’ll be asked to fill out some forms, including a consent form.
  • Before treatment, tell your doctor what medicines you take, especially blood thinners. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It includes aspirin as well as vitamins, herbs and other supplements. Ask if you should stop taking any of them before treatment.
  • Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicines, especially iodine or iodine contrast.
  • Tell your provider if you're pregnant or could be pregnant.
  • If asked, bring X-rays, MRI scans or other tests with you on the day of your treatment.
  • The procedure is typically performed without sedation, using local anesthesia alone. It is helpful to have someone available to drive you home.

You will lie on an exam table on your stomach. During your treatment:

  • The skin over the injection site is cleaned. A medicine (local anesthetic) is used to numb the skin.
  • X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) may be used to help the healthcare provider see your spine. If so, a contrast dye may be injected into the affected area.
  • The injection is given. It may contain a local anesthetic to numb the region around the joint, medicine that eases inflammation (steroids) or both.

Most often, you can go home shortly after the procedure, generally in about 30 minutes. It is helpful to have a family member or friend drive you. The anesthetic wears off in a few hours. When it does, your back or neck may feel more sore than usual. This is normal. Take it easy for the rest of the day. The steroids most often start to work in a few days.

Call your provider if you have any of these:

  • Severe headaches
  • Fever over 100.4°F or higher, or as directed by your provider
  • Chills
  • Redness or drainage at the injection site
  • Weakness, tingling or numbness in your arms or legs