Facet Joint Injection

If you have consistent back or neck pain, you may be recommended a facet joint injection.

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What might you need a facet joint injection?

If you have consistent back or neck pain and you are unaware of where this pain originates from, you may be recommended a facet joint injection. The purpose of this procedure is to determine whether the pain you are experiencing originates from your facet joints. The facet joints are small joints that connect your spinal bones. The injection may help to relive pain, in which case your facet joints would be deemed the source of the pain.

Treatment Info

This procedure is a day case and doesn’t take long. The doctor will clean the area of injection as you lie on your front. You will have local anaesthetic so that the area is numbed to any pain. The surgeon will guide the injection to the facet joints in the affected area using imaging equipment (such as x-ray/CT) to help them find the correct spot. The injection only takes a few minutes but with the use of imaging equipment the procedure can take up to half an hour.

How to prepare for a facet joint injection

Before the surgery we will make sure you feel as comfortable as possible. We will talk you through what will happen in your surgery, along with the risks and benefits. Your doctor will tell you which medicines you should either stop taking, or take, in the days leading up to the surgery.

You will also be instructed regarding eating or drinking prior to the surgery. You will have time to ask as many questions as you like to your surgeon on the day. We will give you access to our OneWelbeck app so that you are familiar with our site and your doctor before even arriving.

Risks with facet joint injections

Generally the most common side effect from the procedure is discomfort in the affected area and numbness. These side affects should clear up. Other more general complications could include:

Bleeding
Nerve damage
Infection

Recovery from facet joint injections

Once we’re sure that you are okay to leave after assessing for side effects, you will be able to go home. It is possible that you may experience numbness in your back or weakness in standing up. This should pass fairly quickly, but it is best to have someone with you to make sure you get home safely.

Introduction

If you have consistent back or neck pain and you...

Treatment

Injection to the facet joints in the affected ar...

Preparation

Tailored to patient

Risks

Bleeding, nerve damage

Aftercare

Medication

Recovery

Home same day

Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

Consultation Required

For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.

Essential Infomation