Facet injections are a common treatment for back and neck pain that comes from the facet joints, the joints that connect two vertebrae and allow the spine to bend and twist. They relieve pain so patients can more easily complete physical therapy, and they help diagnose whether a facet joint is the source of pain.
This procedure is used for the following conditions. Each links to its own page with symptoms and other treatment options.
A facet injection is a short outpatient procedure:
Numbing
The skin over the affected facet joint is treated with a numbing medication.
Imaging guidance
X-ray guidance positions the needle at the joint.
Injection
Anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication are delivered into or around the joint.
Assessing relief
Your response helps confirm whether the joint is the source of pain.
Facet injections can be given in any region of the spine showing signs of facet joint degeneration:
Cervical
Neck
Neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Thoracic
Mid back
Pain between the shoulder blades.
Lumbar
Lower back
Low back pain that may spread to the buttock.
Facet joints are the small paired joints that connect each vertebra to the next and allow the spine to bend and twist. Like other joints, they can become arthritic and painful.
A facet injection delivers an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication into or near a painful facet joint to relieve pain and help confirm the joint as the source.
If a patient experiences relief after a facet joint is injected, it is probable that the joint is the source of the pain, which guides further treatment.
Relief varies. Some patients have relief for weeks to months. Facet injections are often used so patients can more easily complete physical therapy.
Facet injections can be given in any region showing facet joint degeneration: the neck (cervical), mid back (thoracic), or lower back (lumbar).
If a facet joint is confirmed as the source and pain returns, radiofrequency ablation or facet ablation may provide longer-lasting relief.
The skin over the joint is numbed first to make the injection as comfortable as possible. Imaging guidance is used for accuracy.
An evaluation of your symptoms and imaging helps determine whether facet joints are the likely source. Call (321) 499-4646.
Facet injections can:
Most patients go home shortly after the injection.
Same day
Note your relief
Tracking how much pain improves in the first hours helps confirm the source.
Next few days
Steroid takes effect
Anti-inflammatory benefit may build over several days.
Following weeks
Rehabilitate
Use the window of relief to work on physical therapy.
Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.
Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.
Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques
We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.
Same-day, outpatient procedures
Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.
Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons
Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.
A complimentary MRI review
Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.
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Finding the true source of pain
Diagnostic injections help confirm the pain generator before longer-term treatment.
Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care
From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.
Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando
Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.
