Facet Joint Injection

What is a facet joint?

The facet joints are located at the back of the spine on both sides of the vertebral bones where one vertebra overlaps the next vertebra. The facet joints provide stability and give the spine the ability to bend and twist. The joints have a joint capsule, which contains lubricating liquid.

What is a Facet joint injection?

A facet joint injection involves injecting steroid and local anaesthetic in and around the facet joint.

Why do I need this injection?

The injection is used to treat back pain or neck pain caused by inflammation of one or more of the facet joints. This inflammation can also cause pain in the limbs. The pain relief is usually temporary, and may last several months. During this time you should gradually build up your activity to reduce long-term pain and disability.

Before the Injection

If you are taking Warfarin or Clopidogrel (or other blood thinning medicine) then you may need to stop this for a short time before the injection. This will be discussed with you in clinic before the injection. If you take diabetic medication then management of your diabetes during the injection will be discussed with you in clinic.

How are the injections performed?

Facet joint injections are performed as a day case procedure. You will be seen on the Jefferson Day ward by one of the Pain doctors before they carry out the injection. Shortly before it is done you will need to change into a hospital gown. The injections are performed while you are awake. You will be asked to lie on your stomach on an operating table ready for the injection to be done, and your back will be cleaned with antiseptic solution. A nurse will sit and chat to you during the procedure. Local anesthetic is injected into the skin to numb the area and there may be some discomfort in your back at the time of injection. A small dressing will be applied at the site of injection, which can be removed after a few hours.

What happens after the injection?

Immediately following the procedure, you may feel an increased pain in your back. It may take up to ten days for the steroid in the injection to begin to relieve the pain. The day after the injection, you can return to your usual daily activities. If you do get some pain relief you should build up your activity level slowly.

Are there side effects?

There is a possibility of side effects with any medical procedure. Possible side effects from this injection includes pain at the injection site, or a worsening of the pain symptoms. This usually improves. There is a small risk that the pain will be increased permanently. The steroid medication occasionally causes short term fluid retention with weight gain. Steroids may affect periods in ladies for one to two cycles.

Who do I contact if I have any problems after the procedure?

Your first point of contact will be your own GP, or emergency GP. You can also contact the Walton Centre during normal working hours (Monday to Friday), on 0151 525 3611, and ask to speak to the secretary of the doctor who did the procedure. If you have any questions, then please speak to your consultant before the treatment.