Facet Joint Block

A facet joint block may be recommended for patients experiencing extended periods of pain in their back or neck. Facet joints are the small joints located between each vertebra that provide the spine with both stability and flexibility. These joints can become inflamed or irritated, and this injection precisely applies an anesthetic to the nerves that provide sensation to the facet joints. Patients who report relief from this procedure provide confirmation to the physician that the facets are the source of the pain. Patients who may benefit from this procedure are those experiencing pain in their neck, mid-back, or low back that is not due to other potential conditions, such as degenerated or herniated discs.

This procedure is done for diagnostic purposes and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Preparation for the procedure and recovery from the injection will take additional time.

Frequently asked questions

What to expect

• An evaluation from a pain management physician.
• A detailed description of the procedure.
• A discussion about potential risks, benefits, and any alternative treatments.
• This is an opportunity to have all of your concerns addressed and questions answered to your satisfaction.

Planning for the procedure

• Do not eat solid food for at least eight hours prior to your arrival.

• You may have clear liquids up until two hours prior to your arrival.

• You may take your prescribed medications for other medical conditions with a small sip of water the morning of the procedure.

• If you are taking a blood thinner medication, ask the physician who prescribed the medication for directions on stopping it prior to scheduling the procedure.

• Do not take pain medication on the day of your procedure. If you are taking an opiate medication for pain, ask your pain management physician on how best to schedule taking it.

• If you take a diabetic medication, you will
  need to discuss with your primary care provider how best to take it since you will be going without food for at least eight hours.

• Bring all your medications with you. You will be able to take them as usual after the procedure.

• Tell the doctor or staff about any allergies that you have, including medications, seafood, shellfish, latex or X-ray dyes.

On the day of the procedure

When you arrive:

• Someone will verify that you have followed the planning instructions and that you have a ride home with an adult driver
• You will have an IV (intravenous) line placed to provide fluids and a medication to help you relax, if needed.
• You will be asked to lie on your stomach or side (depending on the location of the pain) on the operating table, and equipment to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen will be applied.
• The affected area will be washed with a sterile scrub.
• Your skin will be numbed with a local anesthetic for comfort.
• X-ray images will be used to guide the proper placement of the needle.
• Once the site is located, a medication to numb the nerve and possibly a steroid will be injected.

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Immediately after the procedure:

• You will be in a recovery room for 30- 60 minutes for observation.
• A nurse will check your vital signs, and you will be offered a snack.
• You will be given discharge instructions.
• You will be asked to immediately begin reporting the level and duration of pain relief, and you may be asked to keep a record of your pain levels on a regular basis.