Facet Joint Block

A facet joint block or injection is a minimally invasive procedure in which your physician injects a small amount of local anesthetic and/or medication to numb a facet joint and provide pain relief. Fluoroscopy, a form of real-time x-ray, is used to guide the placement of the needle into the facet joint.

Facet joints, which are located in pairs on the side of each vertebra in the neck and back, allow for motion and provide support and stability in the spine. Injury or conditions such as arthritis may cause pain and inflammation within the facet joints.

Please pay close attention to the following information/instructions:

If you are currently on antibiotics or being treated for an infection, please call the office prior to your injection appointment.

You have been scheduled for a joint injection, which is useful to treat pain and determine if your pain is coming from a particular joint.

You will be receiving an injection of local anesthetic, corticosteroids, and a small amount of contrast dye. Please inform us if you have had any prior allergic reactions to the above-listed medications.

The local anesthetic effect can last for several hours after your injection, and you may experience temporary numbness or weakness. We advise that you refrain from driving the day of your procedure. Please bring a driver to your appointment, they must stay in the facility for the duration of the procedure.

Please refrain from having a large meal prior to your appointment. You may have light food and/or beverages. You may eat and drink immediately following your injection.

If you take routine medications, you may take these on the day of your injection as scheduled.

If you are on any blood thinning medications, please notify our office. You may need to temporarily stop blood thinning medications for a few days prior to your appointment.

The facet joint block injection treatments are relatively safe and low-risk procedure. However, some people may experience certain side effects and/or complications from this treatment. It is advised to discuss the potential risk of developing any adverse reactions or side effects of these injections with a doctor prior to this treatment.

Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss with your Doctor if you are a candidate for these services or contact one of our care representatives with questions at 315-451-5400.

Please play video for a more detailed understanding for what to expect during the procedure.