What is a Facet Joint Injection?
Why Are Facet Joint Injections Performed?
The facet joints are found in the spine, where they connect your backbones to each other. They’re what allow the spine to flex and bend. Like all other bendable bones, facet joints have cartilage between the bones to allow for smooth movement.
When your facet joints are damaged, they can cause debilitating pain in the neck or back. This kind of pain can be caused by anything from an injury, overuse, or the onset of an inflammatory condition.
Facet joint injections can help mitigate this pain, and allow you to regain some of the movement and mobility that pain had taken away.
How is a Facet Joint Injection Given?
When it comes to being given a facet joint injection, your doctor will use an x-ray to guide the injection into the appropriate place.
The procedure is outpatient, and takes around 15 minutes – meaning that you can be on your way home shortly. In most cases, with immediate pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions about Facet Joint Injection
1. How Long Do Facet Joint Injections Work For?
Relief from facet injections is highly variable and can range from weeks up to two months.