Is facet joint injection done with corticosteroid?

Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that help guide movement. A corticosteroid may be placed into or near a selected facet joint to calm local inflammation. A local anaesthetic may also be used, depending on the treatment plan. These medicines do not rebuild cartilage or correct every possible cause of back or neck pain.

The clinician chooses the target after reviewing your symptoms and examination. Relief can vary, and the result is considered alongside your movement, tenderness and daily function rather than pain alone.

Share your medicine list and mention diabetes, blood-thinning treatment, allergies, infection, pregnancy possibility and previous reactions to steroid injections. Follow instructions about food, drink and medicines, and arrange transport if sedation is planned.

Take it easy for the period advised after treatment, then increase activity gradually. Record changes in pain, spinal movement and everyday tasks. Follow the rehabilitation plan if one is provided, because an injection is only one part of managing spinal pain.

Report increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever or worsening pain around the injection site. Get urgent help for new weakness, spreading numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, breathing difficulty, facial swelling or widespread hives.

Ask which facet joint is being targeted, whether imaging will guide the needle, which medicines will be used, and how your existing conditions affect preparation. Discuss alternatives, activity guidance and the symptoms that require urgent medical attention.