How effective is facet joint injection for facet joint syndrome?

The injection places local anaesthetic, sometimes with an anti-inflammatory medicine, near a small joint at the back of the spine. A noticeable change in familiar pain soon after the anaesthetic may help the clinician judge whether that joint is involved. The effect can fade, and improvement does not remove the underlying joint wear or stiffness.

Pain from the neck or lower back can have more than one source. Muscle irritation, discs, nerves, or hip problems may contribute, so an injection is not a complete test of every cause. Some people have useful relief while others notice little change.

Before the procedure, describe the exact pain pattern, activities that provoke it, medicines, allergies, and any blood-thinning treatment. Follow the clinic's instructions about eating, driving, and medication changes.

Keep a simple record of pain and movement before and after the injection. If symptoms settle, physiotherapy may use that window to build trunk strength, joint control, and safer movement habits. Do not increase activity sharply just because pain is quieter.

Contact the treating service urgently for new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, fever, spreading redness, or severe pain that is rapidly worsening after the injection. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, or fainting.

Ask which joint is being targeted, what improvement would count as meaningful, how long to monitor the response, and what alternatives are available if the injection does not help.