Facet Joint Injection
What is a facet joint?
The facets are the small, bony joints that connect the spine’s vertebrae. Each vertebral segment has two facet joints, one on each side. The cervical facet joints guide motion in the neck and the lumbar facet joints guide motion in the spine. These joints provide stability and control but also allow for motion in the spine so that you can bend and twist.
Why inject the facet joint?
Just as a joint in your finger, knee, or hip can cause you discomfort, so can the facet joints in your neck and spine. They can become arthritic or injured, causing pain. Pain from the cervical facet joints may be in the head, neck, upper spine, and shoulders. Pain from the lumbar facet joints may be felt in the spine or legs. The goal of facet joint injections is to decrease pain and inflammation in the facet joints by injecting a steroid into the joint.
Overview of the facet joint injection procedure
Here’s what to expect during a facet joint injection procedure:
- You will lie face down.
- The injection area will be cleaned and numbed before the injection.
- Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your physician will identify the facet joints that should be injected.
- Your doctor will insert a thin needle into the back section of the facet joint.
- Next, your doctor will inject a small amount of contrast dye to make sure that the medication will flow exactly where it needs to go.
- Then, your physician will inject a small amount of steroid solution.
OrthoNC offers comprehensive spine expertise
OrthoNC’s spine specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, non-surgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeon offers proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.
Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, make an appointment online, or call us at (919) 562-9410 to schedule a spine consultation.