Facet Joint Injections

What is it?

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​This procedure is an injection of steroid (strong anti-inflammatory) and local anaesthetic in to and around the joints at the back of the spine.  They can be performed at any level of the spine that is deemed to be the cause of pain. The medication can reduce swelling and inflammation of joints, much in the same way that steroid injections in to the knee and shoulder work. The injection takes only a few minutes to complete and is usually performed under a light sedation so the patient remains pain free.

What happens on the day?

This is a quick day case procedure performed under sedation or local anaesthetic.  We therefore ask patients to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 6 hours prior to the injection.  Water however is allowed up to 2 hours before admission.  We also ask that someone brings the patient home.

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Patients lie on their front and a cannula inserted into their hand to facilitate the sedation if required. Once sedated, the injection is administered under x-ray guidanceTypically, patients leave the hospital within an hour of the injection.

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Follow up

Typically, a routine follow-up appointment is made for 6 weeks.hus giving time for the injection to work. It is helpful to keep a pain diary during this period.  If there are any signs of discharge, redness or swelling at the injection site, worsening or a persistent headache, then early medical attention should be sought.