Why is corticosteroid used in a facet joint injection?

Facet joints are small paired joints at the back of the spine. Their surfaces and surrounding tissues can become painful with irritation or wear, and discomfort may be worse with arching, twisting or prolonged positions. A targeted injection places corticosteroid near the suspected joint to reduce local inflammatory activity. A local anaesthetic may be used at the same time to temporarily numb the area and help test whether that joint is contributing to symptoms.

Relief can make daily activity or physiotherapy easier, but the injection does not restore a joint surface or guarantee that the facet joint is the only source of back or neck pain. The clinician may use your examination, imaging and response to the injection when planning next steps.

Tell the clinic about blood-thinning medicines, infection, allergies, diabetes and prior reactions. Follow instructions about driving, food and activity on the day. Avoid testing the area with strenuous exercise while numb, then return to normal movement gradually as advised. Note whether bending, standing, walking or sleep changes after the procedure, because these details help with review.

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, severe new pain or weakness after the injection. Emergency assessment is needed for new bladder or bowel control problems, numbness around the saddle area, severe allergic symptoms or rapidly worsening weakness.

Which facet joint is suspected, and what examination finding supports it? Is the injection diagnostic, therapeutic or both? How long should numbness or soreness last? Which exercises are appropriate afterward? What other options are available if the response is limited?