Facet joint injections are a type of injection that can be used to diagnose and treat pain in the facet joints of the spine. Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae of the spine that help provide stability and control movement. These joints can become painful due to injury, degeneration, or arthritis, and can cause pain in the neck, back, or limbs.

During a facet joint injection procedure, a small amount of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is injected into the affected joint or joints. This injection can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. If the injection provides significant pain relief, it can help confirm that the facet joint is the source of the pain. Facet joint injections are typically performed under fluoroscopy or x-ray guidance to ensure precise placement of the medication. Facet joint injections can be used to treat a variety of conditions that cause pain in the facet joints, including spinal arthritis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. They can also be used as a diagnostic tool to determine the source of back or neck pain. The effects of facet joint injections are typically temporary and may last several weeks to several months. The procedure can be repeated if necessary to provide ongoing pain relief.