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Learning About a Facet Joint Injection

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What is a facet joint injection?

A facet joint injection is a shot of medicine to help with pain from arthritis or other causes. It goes into your neck or back, wherever your pain is. Facet joints connect your vertebrae to each other. You get a shot of numbing medicine, then a steroid medicine to reduce pain and swelling.

How is a facet joint injection done?

You may get medicine to help you relax. The doctor will use a tiny needle to numb the skin in the area where you are getting the facet joint injection.

After the skin is numb, your doctor will use a larger needle for the actual facet joint injection. The doctor will use computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, or X-rays to help guide the needle into the facet joint. You may feel some pressure. But you should not feel pain.

What can you expect after a facet joint injection?

You will probably go home about an hour after your injection.

You may have numbness for a few hours. The numbness could be in your neck or back, or your arm or leg, depending on where you got the shot.

Your pain may be gone right away. But it may return after a few hours or days. This is because the steroid medicine has not started to work yet.

Steroids don't always work. And when they do, it takes a few days. But when they work, the pain relief can last for several days to a few months or longer.

You may want to do less than normal for a few days. But you may also be able to return to your daily routine. It's usually best to increase your activities slowly over time. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

How long does a facet joint injection take?

The procedure takes 10 to 30 minutes.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.