Does facet joint injection treat facet joint syndrome?

Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine. Irritation or arthritis in these joints can produce local back or neck pain that may worsen with extension, twisting, or standing. During an injection, a clinician places medicine near the suspected joint, often using imaging guidance. The injection may calm inflammation and can provide useful information about the source of pain. Relief may be temporary, and response varies between people. It does not rebuild worn cartilage or correct every cause of back pain.

A clinician will first review your symptoms, movement, examination findings, and any relevant scans. If an injection is offered, discuss the expected purpose, medicines used, preparation, and alternatives. Keep track of pain and movement before and after the procedure. A plan may also include physiotherapy, exercises that improve trunk control, and changes to activities that repeatedly aggravate the back. Follow the aftercare instructions and report unusual worsening rather than repeatedly arranging injections without reassessing the diagnosis.

Seek urgent medical help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, rapidly worsening leg weakness, or severe pain after a significant injury. Contact the treating service promptly for fever, increasing redness or swelling at the injection site, or feeling very unwell after the procedure. Persistent pain despite treatment also deserves a reassessment because several spinal conditions can feel similar.

Ask which joint is suspected, what improvement would count as a useful response, how the injection fits with physiotherapy, and what other options are available if relief is limited.