Facet Joint Injections

Facet joints are small joints in pairs on both sides of vertebrae, which help to support weight and control movements of spine.

This procedure is done as a day case procedure. X-ray is used to direct the needle in to the joint. You need to lie on your front for approximately 15-20 minutes. Local anaesthetic is given to skin before the actual spinal needle is inserted. Once the correct position is found, the joint is injected with local anaesthetic and steroid.

Instructions to patients: You can eat and drink on the morning of procedure. Take all your medicines unless instructed otherwise. Once you come to hospital, a nurse will check all details and note it. The pain doctor will explain procedure and get a consent form signed. You should be prepared to stay in hospital atleast till lunch time (may be longer occasionally). You cannot drive or lift anything heavy or hot till midnight. Please arrange for someone to collect you after procedure.

Side-effects: More discomfort for first few days after injection (flare-up pain); infection (rare); bruising at site of injection; weakness due to local anaesthetic (lasts for few hours); steroid effects (puffiness face, blood sugar changes if diabetic).

Post-procedure instructions: You need to maintain a pain diary after procedure, which will help doctor plan further interventions in future. Take it easy till next day; continue taking your pain killers till you notice any improvement.

Faculty of Pain Medicine guidance leaflet available at Facet injection