Does pain management perform facet joint injections?

Facet joints connect the bones at the back of the spine and help guide movement. A facet joint injection places local anaesthetic, sometimes with an anti-inflammatory medicine, into or around a selected joint. The clinician may use imaging guidance to position the needle accurately. The response can help clarify whether that joint is contributing to your pain, while relief from medicine may be temporary.

Assessment matters because pain in the back or neck can come from several structures. Tell the clinician about leg or arm symptoms, numbness, weakness, previous surgery, blood-thinning medicines, allergies, diabetes and infection symptoms. These details may affect whether an injection is appropriate.

Describe activities that trigger your pain, such as extension, standing or turning, and bring relevant imaging. Ask which joint is being targeted and how the result will guide the next step. Follow instructions about medicines and driving. Keep a record of pain and movement before and after the procedure, because this information helps the clinician judge the response and plan rehabilitation or another treatment.

Get urgent help for new or worsening weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs, fever with severe spinal pain, or a serious allergic reaction. After an injection, contact the treating service for spreading redness, drainage, persistent bleeding, severe pain or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.

Ask: Why do you suspect a facet joint source? Which joint will you target? Will imaging guide the needle? What alternatives are available? How should I record the response, and when will we review the plan?