Is facet joint injection done with local anaesthetic?

The clinician cleans the skin, gives a small numbing injection, and then guides the treatment needle toward the facet joint using an appropriate imaging method. The local anaesthetic reduces sensation at the skin and needle pathway. It may also provide short-term information about whether the targeted joint is contributing to your pain. The effect can wear off before any longer-lasting medicine used in the injection takes effect.

You may feel pressure, pushing, or a brief sting even after the skin is numb. Tell the clinician if the discomfort is sharp or difficult to tolerate so the procedure can be paused and reassessed.

Follow the clinic's instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and transport. Wear clothing that allows access to the painful part of your back or neck, and mention allergies, blood-thinning medicines, diabetes, pregnancy, or an active infection before treatment.

Afterward, protect the treated area as advised and record how your pain and movement change while the anaesthetic is active and after it fades. Do not use temporary numbness as a reason to overexert yourself.

Contact the treating team promptly for worsening redness, swelling, drainage, fever, or pain that is becoming more severe rather than settling. Seek urgent care for new leg or arm weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, trouble breathing, facial swelling, or a rapidly spreading allergic reaction.

Ask which part of the injection will be numbed, whether a contrast or imaging check is planned, what sensations are expected, and how long you should modify activity. Also ask how you will judge benefit once the local anaesthetic wears off.