Facet Joint Injections / Medial Branch Block for the treatment of Back / Neck Pain

What are the Facet joints?

These are small joints of your spine which allows movement and maintains stability. Wear and tear, inflammation and injury of the facet joints can cause pain.

How will the injections help?

These injections will help in identifying the source and relieving your pain.

What does the injection contain?

It is a mixture of local anaesthetic (numbing medication) and steroid (anti-inflammatory) helping to reduce pain and inflammation of the joints.

What will happen to me during the treatment?

The injections are performed under x-ray guidance in the theatres by the Pain Management Consultant. A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the skin before the needle is inserted.

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure usually takes between 15 – 20 minutes however you will be expected to arrive 30 minutes before for consent and ward check.

What are the risks involved?

Failure – may not work well

Worsening of pain before it gets better

Worse Headache

Pain and bruising at the site of injection

Steroid effects e.g. facial flushing, increase in blood sugar for Diabetic patient

Infection is rare

Leg or Arm weakness is a rare complication

Injury or collapse of the lung (Pneumothorax) for the thoracic area only

What happens after the procedure?

You will be moved to the recovery area where the nurse will check your heart rate and blood pressure, followed by transfer to the ward. Your Pain Management Consultant will perform an initial assessment to ascertain the effectiveness and review you before discharge.

Will there be a follow-up appointment after the injection?

Yes, your Pain Management Consultant will follow up in 6 - 8 weeks in the Pain clinic to ascertain the effectiveness of the treatment and discuss further management.

Is there any other procedure planned after this injection?

We will consider another procedure which involves heating of the nerves using Radio waves provided the initial injection helps. This will give you a prolonged period of pain relief.