Facet joint injections
Facet joint injections are targeted treatments used to diagnose and relieve pain arising from the small joints at the back of the spine.
They are commonly used for back or neck pain where facet joints are suspected to be the source of symptoms, particularly when pain is localised or linked to movement.
AT A GLANCE
- Targeted injections into the small joints of the spine
- Used for back pain and neck pain
- Can help confirm the source of pain
- Often part of a wider treatment plan
- Performed using imaging guidance for accuracy
Understanding facet joint injections
Targeted treatment for joint-related spinal pain
Facet joints are small joints located at the back of the spine that help guide movement and provide stability. Like other joints in the body, they can become inflamed, irritated or affected by wear and tear.
Facet joint injections are used to deliver medication directly into or around these joints to reduce inflammation and pain. They can also help confirm whether the facet joints are contributing to symptoms.
At Total Spine Health, these injections are used as part of a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment, helping guide further management where needed.
What are facet joint injections?
Targeting the joints at the back of the spine
Facet joint injections involve placing a small amount of local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication into or around the facet joints.
The procedure is performed using imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement. If symptoms improve following the injection, this can help confirm that the facet joints are the source of pain.
In some cases, injections are used primarily for pain relief. In others, they form part of the diagnostic process before considering further treatments.
When this treatment may be used
Symptoms linked to facet joint pain
Facet joint pain often presents differently from nerve-related pain and is typically more localised.
- localised pain in the neck or lower back
- pain worse with movement, twisting or extension
- stiffness, particularly after rest
- pain not radiating far into the arm or leg
- discomfort when standing for prolonged periods
- pain that improves with rest or changes in position
Symptoms may develop gradually and are often linked to degenerative changes.
CONDITIONS TREATED
When facet joint injections may be appropriate
Facet joint injections are considered when joint-related pain is suspected based on symptoms, examination and imaging.
When facet joint injections may be considered
When targeted injections can help
Facet joint injections may be recommended when symptoms suggest joint-related pain and have not improved with initial treatment.
They are often used to both confirm diagnosis and provide relief.
- persistent back or neck pain
- pain linked to movement or posture
- limited improvement with physiotherapy
- uncertainty about the source of pain
- imaging suggests facet joint involvement
- symptoms affecting daily activity
ASSESSMENT AND SURGICAL PLANNING
Confirming the source of pain
Careful assessment is important to determine whether facet joints are contributing to symptoms.
- review of symptoms and pain pattern
- physical examination of spinal movement
- imaging such as MRI or CT scan
- correlation of findings with symptoms
- discussion of expected outcomes
- planning of targeted injection
The goal is to ensure injections are used appropriately and effectively.
PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES
How facet joint injections are performed
Facet joint injections are performed in a controlled clinical setting using imaging guidance for precision.
X-ray guidance is used to accurately place the needle into the joint.
In some cases, ultrasound may be used for guidance.
Medication is injected directly into the facet joint.
Injection around the small nerves supplying the facet joints.
Used to confirm whether the facet joints are the source of pain.
Recovery after facet joint injections
What to expect after the procedure
Facet joint injections are usually performed as a day-case procedure, and most patients can return home shortly afterwards.
Some patients experience immediate relief from the local anaesthetic, followed by longer-term improvement as the anti-inflammatory medication takes effect.
- return home the same day
- gradual return to normal activity
- temporary soreness at the injection site
- monitoring of symptom improvement
- follow-up to assess response
- consideration of further treatment if needed
Relief may last weeks or months, depending on the underlying condition.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about facet joint injections
Are facet joint injections painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Local anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort.
How long do they take to work?
Initial relief may be felt quickly, with further improvement over several days.
How long does the effect last?
This varies. Some patients experience weeks or months of relief.
Are they used for diagnosis or treatment?
Both. They can help confirm the source of pain and provide symptom relief.
What happens if they don’t work?
If symptoms do not improve, other causes may be considered and alternative treatments discussed.
RELATED CONDITIONS
Conditions linked with minimally invasive surgery
RELATED TREATMENTS
Treatment pathways that may be relevant
- Radiofrequency denervation
- Nerve root injection
- Epidural injection
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
