What to expect from facet joint injection for cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is age-related wear in the neck that can affect joints, discs, and nearby tissues. Facet joint injection targets a suspected pain source at the small joints behind the spine. The clinician reviews medicines, allergies, health conditions, and your examination before deciding whether the procedure fits.

During the appointment, you are positioned so the neck can be cleaned and numbed. Imaging helps guide the needle to the intended area. The injected medicine may include a local anaesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medicine. Short-lived soreness or altered sensation can occur around the procedure site.

Follow the clinic’s instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and arranging transport if sedation is planned. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, diabetes, infection, or a previous reaction to injections. Afterward, take the activity level advised and avoid testing the neck with strenuous exercise while it is numb.

Keep notes on pain, neck movement, and arm symptoms after the injection. This response can help your clinician decide on further rehabilitation or another treatment. See [Cervical Spondylosis](/conditions/cervical-spondylosis/) and [Facet Joint Injection](/treatments/spine-care/facet-joint-injection/) for related information.

Contact the treating service for increasing redness, swelling, drainage, fever, or pain that is not settling. Seek emergency help for new trouble breathing or swallowing, severe headache, new arm or leg weakness, loss of balance, or loss of bladder or bowel control after the procedure.

Ask which joint is being targeted, what medicine is planned, how your regular medicines should be managed, what activity is suitable afterward, and how the result will guide next steps.