Facet Blocks
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
What is a Facet Block?
A facet block, also known as a facet joint injection, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints of the spine. These small joints connect the vertebrae, providing stability and flexibility to the spine. When the facet joints become inflamed or irritated due to conditions such as arthritis, injury, or degeneration, they can cause significant back or neck pain. A facet block involves injecting a small amount of anaesthetic and/or corticosteroid medication directly into the facet joint to reduce pain and inflammation.
Facet blocks are often performed as both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. They help confirm whether the facet joints are the source of pain while simultaneously providing relief.
Types of Facet Blocks
Facet blocks can be tailored to the specific location and purpose of the treatment. Common types include:
Diagnostic Facet Block: This type of facet block is used to identify whether the pain is coming from the facet joints. The injection contains only a local anaesthetic, and if the pain relief is immediate, it confirms the facet joints as the pain source.
Therapeutic Facet Block: Once the facet joints are confirmed as the pain source, a therapeutic facet block is administered. This involves injecting a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting pain relief.
Medial Branch Block: In some cases, pain relief can be achieved by targeting the medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints. This technique may be used prior to procedures such as radiofrequency ablation.
Cervical, Thoracic, or Lumbar Facet Blocks: Facet blocks can be performed at different levels of the spine, depending on the location of the pain:
Cervical Facet Block: For pain in the neck.
Thoracic Facet Block: For pain in the mid-back.
Lumbar Facet Block: For pain in the lower back.
Benefits of Facet Blocks
Facet blocks provide several benefits for patients experiencing chronic back or neck pain, including:
Targeted Pain Relief: The injection directly addresses the inflamed or irritated joint, providing focused relief.
Diagnostic Value: It helps confirm the source of pain, allowing for more precise treatment planning.
Reduced Inflammation: Corticosteroids can decrease swelling and inflammation in the facet joints.
Improved Mobility: Pain relief allows patients to engage in physical therapy and daily activities with greater ease.
Minimally Invasive: Facet blocks are performed as outpatient procedures, involving minimal discomfort and downtime.
Symptoms and Conditions Treated with Facet Blocks
Facet blocks are used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the facet joints, including:
Facet Joint Arthritis: Wear and tear of the joints leading to chronic pain and stiffness.
Spinal Degeneration: Age-related changes that irritate the facet joints.
Injury or Trauma: Pain from whiplash or other injuries involving the spine.
Chronic Back or Neck Pain: Pain that persists despite conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy.
Facet Syndrome: A condition characterised by pain, stiffness, and limited motion caused by inflammation of the facet joints.
Diagnosis and Treatment Process
Diagnosis: A thorough evaluation is required to determine if a facet block is suitable for your condition. Diagnostic steps may include:
Medical History and Physical Examination: To assess symptoms, identify the source of pain, and evaluate the range of motion.
Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are often performed to visualise the spine and identify issues in the facet joints.
Treatment: The facet block procedure involves the following steps:
Preparation: The area is cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic.
Guided Injection: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance), the doctor carefully places the needle into the targeted facet joint or medial branch nerve.
Injection: A small amount of anaesthetic and/or corticosteroid medication is injected to provide relief and reduce inflammation.
Post-Procedure Care: Patients are monitored briefly after the procedure and can usually return home the same day. Pain relief may be immediate in diagnostic injections or develop over days in therapeutic injections.
Conclusion
Facet blocks offer a minimally invasive option for diagnosing and managing chronic back or neck pain caused by inflamed or irritated facet joints. By delivering targeted pain relief and reducing inflammation, this procedure can help improve mobility and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent back or neck pain, schedule a consultation with our experienced team today to learn more about your options for relief and recovery.