Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

If you’re dealing with ongoing neck pain, learning about cervical spine facet injections might help. At Liv Hospital, we aim to provide safe, cutting-edge, and patient-centered care. We help patients get the newest, least invasive treatments for neck pain. Discover 7 essential facts about cervical spine facet injections for neck pain relief.

Facet joint injections are a great option for those with neck pain from arthritis, inflammation, or injury. These injections target the facet joints in the neck. Knowing how these joints work and how injections can ease pain helps patients choose the best care for themselves.

Key Takeaways

• Facet joint injections are used to treat neck pain resulting from various conditions.
• Minimally invasive procedures can provide relief for patients with chronic neck pain.
• Liv Hospital offers advanced medical treatments with a focus on patient care.
• Understanding treatment options can empower patients to make informed decisions.
• Cervical facet injections are a valuable treatment for neck pain caused by facet joint issues.

Understanding Facet Joints and Their Role in Neck Pain

The facet joints in the cervical spine are small but play a big role in neck stability. They can cause pain if they get inflamed or damaged. These joints are between and behind vertebrae, helping the neck move and stay stable.

Anatomy of Facet Joints in the Cervical Spine

Facet joints are synovial joints that connect the vertebrae, allowing for movement. In the cervical spine, they are key for flexibility and stability. They help the neck move in many ways, like rotating and bending.

Key components of facet joints include:

• Articular cartilage that covers the joint surfaces
• Synovial fluid that lubricates the joint
• A joint capsule that encloses the joint

How Facet Joint Problems Cause Neck Pain

When facet joints get inflamed or damaged, they can cause a lot of neck pain. This pain can come from many things, like wear and tear, injuries, or too much strain. The pain can feel like a dull ache or sharp stabbing, and it often gets worse when you move.

Common issues that lead to facet joint-related neck pain include:

1. Facet joint arthritis or degeneration
2. Whiplash or other traumatic injuries
3. Repetitive strain or overuse

Understanding facet joints and neck pain is key for good treatment. Doctors can find the source of pain and use treatments like cervical facet joint injections. This helps to ease pain and improve life quality.

What Are Cervical Spine Facet Injections?

For those with neck pain, learning about cervical spine facet injections is key. These injections target pain from the facet joints in the neck. They are a key tool for managing neck pain from different causes.

Components of Facet Injections: Corticosteroids and Local Anesthetics

Cervical spine facet injections mix corticosteroids and local anesthetics. Corticosteroids fight inflammation and pain in the facet joints. Local anesthetics numb the area, giving quick pain relief.

This mix offers both quick and lasting benefits. The local anesthetic gives fast relief, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation for longer pain relief.

Difference Between Therapeutic and Diagnostic Injections

Cervical facet injections have two main uses: therapeutic and diagnostic. Therapeutic injections aim to treat pain and inflammation. They help improve a patient’s life quality.

Diagnostic injections help find the pain’s source. They inject a local anesthetic into a facet joint. If pain goes away, it shows the joint is the pain source.

Knowing the difference between these injections is important. They are vital for treating and finding neck pain causes. Both types help manage neck pain effectively.

Common Conditions Treated with Cervical Facet Block Injections

We often use cervical facet block injections to address several common causes of neck pain. These injections have proven to be effective in managing pain associated with various conditions affecting the cervical spine.

Facet Joint Arthritis and Degeneration

Facet joint arthritis and degeneration are common conditions that can lead to significant neck pain. As the facet joints in the cervical spine wear out, they can become inflamed and irritated, causing pain and stiffness. Cervical facet block injections can help alleviate this pain by delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected joints.

Whiplash-Associated Disorders

Whiplash-associated disorders often result from motor vehicle accidents or other traumatic events that cause sudden neck movement. This can lead to inflammation and pain in the facet joints. Cervical facet block injections are frequently used to treat whiplash-associated disorders by reducing inflammation and numbing the pain.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by pain and inflammation in the muscles surrounding the cervical spine. While facet injections mainly target the joints, they can also indirectly benefit patients with myofascial pain syndrome by reducing overall cervical spine inflammation.

Herniated Nucleus Pulposus

A herniated nucleus pulposus occurs when the soft inner gel of the intervertebral disc leaks out through a tear in the outer disc. This can irritate nearby facet joints and cause pain. Cervical facet block injections can help manage the pain associated with a herniated nucleus pulposus, when the facet joints are involved.

The Cervical Facet Injection Procedure: What to Expect

Learning about the cervical facet injection procedure can help ease your worries. We’ll guide you through what happens before, during, and after the treatment. This will make you feel more at ease and informed.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before the cervical facet injection, several steps are taken to ensure your safety and the procedure’s success. It’s important to tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking, like blood thinners, as they might need to be adjusted or stopped. You might also be asked to not eat or drink for a while before the injection.

• Disclose all medications and supplements you’re currently taking.
• Follow any dietary restrictions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Step-by-Step Process of the Injection

The actual injection process is quick and simple. Here’s what you can expect:

1. You will be positioned on an X-ray table, typically lying on your stomach.
2. The area where the injection will be administered is cleaned and sterilized.
3. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the skin where the needle will be inserted.
4. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor will insert the needle into the targeted facet joint.
5. Once the needle is correctly positioned, the medication (usually a combination of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic) is injected.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

After the injection, you will be watched for a short time to check for any immediate reactions. It’s normal to feel a slight stinging sensation from the injection or numbness from the local anesthetic. You might be told to rest for a bit before being sent home.

To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day.
• Apply ice to the injection site if you experience any discomfort.
• Follow any specific post-procedure instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

By understanding what to expect during and after a cervical facet injection, you can better prepare yourself for the procedure. This can help improve your outcome.

Targeting Specific Cervical Facet Joints

The success of cervical facet injections relies on finding and treating the right facet joints. Doctors use a mix of clinical checks, patient history, and high-tech imaging to pinpoint these joints.

How Doctors Determine Which Joints to Inject

Doctors have several ways to figure out which cervical facet joints need treatment. They start with a detailed check-up and look at the patient’s health history. They also use X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to spot the joints causing pain.

They might also do diagnostic blocks. This means they inject a local anesthetic into a suspected joint to see if it eases pain. If the pain goes away, it shows they hit the right spot.

Special Considerations for C5-6 Facet Joint Injection

The C5-6 area is often treated with c5 6 facet joint injection because it’s very mobile and prone to wear and tear. Doctors have to be extra careful here because of the nearby important blood vessels and nerves.

To make sure the injection is safe and accurate, doctors use fluoroscopy at the C5-6 level. This lets them see the needle’s position in real-time. It helps them place the medication exactly where it’s needed.

Other Common Injection Sites in the Cervical Spine

While C5-6 is a common target, other areas like C3-4, C4-5, and C6-7 are also treated. The choice of where to inject depends on the patient’s specific pain and the location of the problem.

Doctors look at each patient’s unique anatomy and health issues to decide the best injection sites. This tailored approach aims to make the treatment as effective as possible while keeping risks low.

Recovery and Results After Neck Facet Joint Injections

After getting cervical facet injections, you might wonder about the recovery. We’ll walk you through what to expect after the procedure. You’ll learn about success rates, how long pain relief lasts, and more.

What to Expect in the Days Following the Procedure

Right after the injection, you might feel some soreness where the needle was. This pain usually goes away quickly and can be eased with common pain meds. It’s key to follow your doctor’s post-procedure advice for a smooth recovery. Success Rates by Condition

The success of cervical facet injections varies by condition. For example, they often help a lot with facet joint arthritis. A study found that

“Corticosteroid injections into the facet joints can provide significant pain relief for patients with facet joint arthritis”

. Whiplash-associated disorders also see good results from this treatment.

Duration of Pain Relief and Need for Repeat Injections

The length of pain relief after cervical facet injections varies. Some people feel better for months, while others might need more shots. Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to figure out the best treatment plan. Whether you need more injections depends on your condition and how you react to the first treatment.

Diagnostic Uses of Cervical Facet Block Injections

We use cervical facet block injections to find out where neck pain comes from. These injections help both treat and diagnose the issue. They give us important clues for further treatment.

Identifying Pain Sources Before Radiofrequency Ablation

Cervical facet block injections help find the pain source before radiofrequency ablation. They numb the facet joints, showing if the pain comes from there. This step is key to choosing the right patients for radiofrequency ablation, which can offer lasting pain relief.

Differentiating Between Various Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can come from many places, like facet joint arthritis, disc herniation, and myofascial pain syndrome. Cervical facet block injections target the facet joints. If they reduce pain, it shows the facet joints are a main pain source.

Using cervical facet block injections helps us understand neck pain better. We can then plan treatments that really work. This way, we improve patient results and avoid more serious procedures.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Cervical Spine Facet Injections

Cervical spine facet injections are usually safe. But, like any medical treatment, they can have side effects and risks. It’s important to know about both common minor side effects and rare but serious complications.

Common Minor Side Effects

Most people do well with cervical facet injections. But, some might feel minor side effects. These can include:

• Temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site
• Mild headache or fatigue
• Flushing or sweating due to the corticosteroid
• Numbness or tingling in the neck or arms, usually temporary

These side effects are usually short-lived and go away in a few days.

Rare but Serious Complications

Even though rare, serious complications can happen with cervical facet injections. Some of these include:

• Infection at the injection site, which can be serious if not promptly treated
• Nerve damage or spinal cord injury, potentially leading to long-term neurological deficits
• Allergic reactions to the medications used in the injection
• Adrenal suppression or other systemic effects from repeated corticosteroid injections

Talking to your healthcare provider about these risks is important. They can help you understand how they might affect you.

Who Should Avoid Cervical Facet Injections

While many people find cervical facet injections helpful, some should be cautious or avoid them. These include:

• Patients with active infections or bleeding disorders
• Those with known allergies to the medications used in facet injections
• Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or osteoporosis, who may require special consideration
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, who should discuss possible risks with their healthcare provider

Your healthcare provider will check if cervical facet injections are right for you.

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Facet Injections for Neck Pain

Cervical spine facet injections are a helpful treatment for neck pain. They work well for conditions like facet joint arthritis and whiplash. Knowing about facet injections in the neck helps patients make smart choices about their care.

Facet injections use corticosteroids and local anesthetics to fight inflammation and pain. The procedure is mostly safe, but it’s important to think about possible side effects and risks. Talking to a healthcare provider is key to deciding if facet injections are right for you.

Understanding the pros and cons of facet injections and talking to a doctor helps manage neck pain. This way, people can improve their life quality. Whether it’s facet injections or other treatments, making informed choices is essential for the best results.

FAQ

Reference

• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (2023). Facet Joint Injection. StatPearls.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572125