Facet Joint Injections

Back or neck pain may be caused by a problem with your facet joints. If so, a facet joint injection may help. With this treatment, medicine is injected into certain facet joints. The injection can help your healthcare provider find problem joints. It may also ease your pain. What is a facet joint? Bones called vertebrae make up your spine. Each vertebra has flat surfaces (facets) that touch where the vertebrae fit together. These form a structure called a facet joint on each side of the vertebrae. What is a facet joint injection? One or more facet joints in your back or neck can become swollen and irritated (inflamed). This may cause pain. During a facet joint injection, medicine is injected into the inflamed joints. This treatment may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Pain relief may last for weeks, months or longer. If the pain returns, you may need another injection. Possible risks and complications Risks and complications are rare but can include: Infection Bleeding Prolonged increase in pain Nerve damage (very rare)