What is a Facet Joint Injection/Block?
A facet joint injection/block involves the injection of medication (usually a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid), into the facet joint of the spine. A spinal needle is placed under fluoroscopy for this instillation. The medication instilled is used to interrupt or block the pain messages being sent to the brain from this area of the spine. The pain relief from this procedure can last from weeks to months. The results of this block can also be used as a diagnostic tool for a possible future Rhizotomy. Advantages Typically, these procedures are done in an attempt to avoid or delay a surgical procedure, to relieve residual pain from surgery, or to relieve pain when surgery is not an option. These procedures present minimal risk as compared to a more invasive surgical procedure and can provide pain relief that lasts from weeks to months. Fluoroscopy is used to perform these procedures providing precise placement of the needles, therefore, minimizing any potential risks. Recovery from t
