Cervical Facet Joint Injection

A Cervical Facet Joint Injection is a procedure designed to relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This type of pain often stems from:

• Cervical facet joint arthritis
• Facet joint syndrome
• Degenerative changes in the cervical spine
• Injury or inflammation of the facet joints

Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae. When inflamed, these joints can cause pain and restrict movement. A cervical facet joint injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into these joints to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

How Does It Help?

The steroid medication reduces inflammation, which is often the primary source of pain. By reducing this inflammation, the injection can relieve pain and stiffness, allowing you to move more freely and engage in physical therapy or other treatments to improve your overall spinal health.

Steps of Administering a Cervical Facet Joint Injection

1. Pre-procedure Preparation

• You will lie face down or on your side, and your neck will be cleaned with antiseptic.
• A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the skin and tissues surrounding the cervical facet joints.

2. Using Fluoroscopic Guidance

• The physician will use fluoroscopy (a real-time X-ray) to guide a needle into the facet joint in your cervical spine.

3. Injection of Medication

• Once the needle is properly positioned, a corticosteroid combined with an anesthetic will be injected into the facet joint.

4. Post-Procedure

• After the injection, you’ll be monitored for 15-30 minutes to ensure there are no immediate side effects. Mild soreness at the injection site may occur but should resolve within a day or two.

When Can You Go Home?

• You will be able to go home within 30-60 minutes after the procedure.
• You should have someone drive you home, as the anesthetic may cause temporary weakness or numbness.
• Light activities can typically be resumed the next day, but avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.

How Many Injections Are Needed?

Most patients require 1 to 3 injections to experience significant pain relief. In some cases, one injection is enough to provide long-lasting relief, but many patients benefit from a series of treatments.

• Initial Relief: Relief may begin after the first injection, but it may take 2-3 injections to achieve maximum benefit.
• Long-term Relief: The effects of the injection may last for several months, but additional injections may be needed if the pain returns.

Final Thoughts

Cervical facet joint injections can help manage neck and upper back pain caused by inflammation in the facet joints. While not a cure, they provide significant pain relief, enabling you to participate in therapies and exercises that support long-term spine health.

For more information or to discuss your treatment plan, please contact our office.