Facet joint injections are used to help diagnose and relieve pain that comes from the facet joints in your spine. These small joints are located at each level of your spine and help provide stability and help with movement. Sometimes, these joints can become painful because of arthritis or injury, leading to back or neck pain.

During the procedure, a mix of steroid medicine and anesthetic is injected directly into the facet joint. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief by numbing the area, while the steroid works to reduce inflammation and swelling in the joint to offer longer-lasting relief. The procedure is guided by imaging techniques like X-ray or CT scan to ensure precise delivery to the target area.

Facet joint injections can help relieve symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, and pain that radiates to the shoulders or arms. They may also help with stiffness and reduce the feeling of having a "locked" spine.

Alternatives to this procedure might include physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling, or radiofrequency ablation, which involves using heat to reduce nerve pain.

There are some risks with the procedure, though they are rare. These include infection, nerve damage, bleeding, or an allergic reaction to the injected substances. Most people can resume normal activities the next day, but it's best to avoid strenuous activities for a few days.

Overall, facet joint injections are a minimally invasive way to manage pain and help determine the source of your spinal discomfort. Our team is here to help guide you throughout whether its the diagnostic or the treatment step in your medical journey.