Facet Joint Injection

What is a Facet joint?

Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra has flat surfaces called facets that touch where the vertebrae fit together. The space where two facets meet creates a facet joint on each side of the vertebrae.

What is a Facet Joint Injection?

Facet joint pain occurs when one or more of the facet joints in your neck or back become irritated and swollen. During a facet injection, medication is injected into the facet joint space. The duration of pain relief will vary depending on the medications injection. This injection is typically performed as a test injection and can provide several hours of pain relief. It is also possible that you will receive this injection for prolonged relief. You will need to discuss the options with your physician. Although rare, risks may include infection, allergic reaction to the medications and nerve damage.