Facet Joint Injection
Facet joint injections place anti-inflammatory steroid medication directly inside the facet joints — the small paired joints at each level of the spine that provide stability and controlled movement. When facet joints become arthritic or inflamed, they can cause significant neck or back pain. A facet joint injection reduces this inflammation and provides both diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic relief.
Facet Syndrome
Facet syndrome (also called facet-mediated pain or zygapophyseal joint pain) is one of the most common sources of chronic spinal pain, particularly in patients over 50 with a history of spine degeneration, injury, or surgery. Symptoms include:
- Localized neck or back pain that worsens with extension (bending back) or rotation
- Referred pain to the shoulder/upper arm (cervical) or buttock/upper thigh (lumbar)
- Morning stiffness, tenderness over the spine on palpation
- MRI/X-ray showing facet joint hypertrophy or arthritis
How the Injection Works
Under fluoroscopic guidance, a small needle is directed into the facet joint capsule. The joint space is small — typically only 1–2 mL capacity — so precise placement under imaging is essential. A small volume of steroid and local anesthetic is injected, reducing joint inflammation.
Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Purpose
Like medial branch blocks, facet injections provide both diagnostic information (is the facet joint the pain source?) and therapeutic relief (steroid reduces inflammation). A positive response — significant pain reduction after the injection — confirms facet-mediated pain and guides further treatment planning.
From Injection to Long-Lasting Relief
For patients who respond well to facet injections but need more durable relief, radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves offers a procedure lasting 12–18 months from a single treatment. Dr. Rubin will discuss this pathway with you if facet joint pain is confirmed.
Contact Us
Call 516-492-3100 to evaluate whether facet joint arthritis may be contributing to your neck or back pain.