When is facet joint injection recommended for cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis describes age-related wear in the neck. Imaging changes do not always identify the source of pain, so a clinician combines the history, examination, and scan findings. Facet joints can produce local neck pain and pain toward the shoulder or upper back. An injection places medicine near a selected joint and may also help test whether that joint contributes to symptoms; it does not reverse the underlying wear.

Discuss activity, medicines, physiotherapy, and posture strategies first when they are suitable. Tell the treating team about blood-thinning medicines, infection, allergies, diabetes, pregnancy, or previous injection reactions. After the procedure, follow instructions about activity and monitor the injection site. Relief can guide rehabilitation, but ongoing care still focuses on neck function and symptom management.

Seek urgent care for new arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever with severe neck pain, or a serious neck injury. After an injection, seek advice for increasing redness, drainage, fever, severe headache, or worsening neurological symptoms.

Ask how facet pain was identified, what benefit the injection is intended to provide, which medicines need review, what alternatives exist, and how the result will change your rehabilitation plan.