Cervical Facet Injection

Cervical facet injections are administered into the neck to relieve chronic pain. The injection is placed in the facet joints, the bony joints in the neck area of the spine. The injections are a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid medication. Together, they provide rapid and longer-lasting pain relief. These injections have successfully provided relief for our patients experiencing chronic pain of this nature. Together with a physical therapy program, we have seen rehabilitation and strengthening of the muscles in the neck and the areas around the spine.

In this outpatient procedure, the physician uses a fluoroscope and guides the placement of the medication to avoid hitting any nerves. The patient will be in the facedown position on the procedure table and injected with a local anesthetic easing discomfort during the procedure.

As the physician directs the needle into the appropriate facet joint, a small amount of contrast dye will be injected to ensure the needle placement is correct. Medication is injected into the joint, and the physician then removes the needle. A bandage is placed over the injection site. Following a short period of observation, the patient will be released to rest at home. The procedure usually takes between 15-30 minutes to be completed.

After returning home, the patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Some patients notice immediate pain relief following the procedure only to have it return as the effect of the local anesthetic diminishes. It typically takes a few days for the steroid medication to take effect. Pain or soreness at the injection site can be treated with ice or a cold pack to relieve discomfort.