Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Chronic neck pain can really hurt your daily life. At Liv Hospital, we have a precise and effective treatment: cervical facet injections. This method is a small procedure that puts anesthetics or steroids right into the facet joints in your neck. It helps ease long-lasting pain.Important facts about cervical facet injections in neck, their use, and benefits.

Learning about cervical facet injections can help you understand your treatment better. We’ll cover the main points about this procedure. This includes what it is, what it treats, and how it’s done.

Key Takeaways

• Cervical facet injections are a minimally invasive pain management treatment.
• They involve injecting anesthetics or steroids into the facet joints.
• This procedure is used to manage chronic neck pain.
• Cervical facet injections can provide significant pain relief.
• The treatment is performed with precision and care at Liv Hospital.

Understanding Cervical Facet Joints and Their Role in Neck Pain

Knowing about cervical facet joints is key to treating neck pain. These small joints help our neck and back move and stay stable. They are between and behind the vertebrae in the spine.

Anatomy of Facet Joints in the Cervical Spine

The cervical facet joints are important for our neck’s movement. They help support the head and neck. These joints are between vertebrae and guide the spine’s movement.

They are synovial joints, meaning they have a membrane that makes fluid. This fluid helps the joints move smoothly.

How Damaged Facet Joints Contribute to Chronic Neck Pain

Damage to the cervical facet joints can cause a lot of pain. This pain can come from injuries, wear and tear, or inflammation. The pain might stay in the neck or spread to the shoulders or the head.

The pain happens because of irritated nerve endings in the joint. These nerves send pain signals to the brain. Knowing this helps doctors find better treatments, like injections, to ease the pain.

What Are Facet Injections in the Neck and How Do They Work?

Facet injections are a precise way to ease neck pain. They target the facet joints in the neck to manage chronic pain. This method is effective for those suffering from neck pain.

Definition and Therapeutic Mechanism

Cervical facet injections involve injecting medication into or around the facet joints. This treatment aims to reduce pain and inflammation. It works by delivering anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications right to the pain source.

Types of Medications Used (Anesthetics and Steroids)

Facet injections use a mix of local anesthetics and corticosteroids. The anesthetic numbs the area, giving quick pain relief. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation, providing longer-lasting pain relief. This combination helps manage pain effectively.

Immediate vs. Long-term Effects

Facet injections have both immediate and long-term effects. The anesthetic offers quick pain relief, helping diagnose pain sources. The corticosteroid takes a few days to start working, providing relief for weeks or months. Knowing these effects helps set realistic expectations and plan treatments.

Common Conditions Treated with Cervical Facet Joint Injections

Cervical facet joint injections are a key treatment for many neck pain issues. They are great for finding and fixing pain in the facet joints of the neck.

Whiplash-Associated Disorders

Whiplash from car accidents can hurt a lot in the neck. These injections help by cutting down inflammation and easing pain in the facet joints.

Facet Joint Arthritis and Degeneration

Arthritis and wear and tear in the facet joints often cause neck pain, more so in older people. Cervical facet joint injections can ease this pain. They deliver medicine right to the joints, reducing pain and helping you move better.

Mechanical Neck Pain After Failed Conservative Treatment

If other treatments like physical therapy or medicine don’t work, cervical facet block injections can be a good choice. They help find and treat the pain source, giving much-needed relief.

Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Benefits of Cervical Facet Blocks

Cervical facet blocks are used for two main reasons: to find the cause of neck pain and to help relieve it. They are a key tool in both diagnosing and treating neck pain.

Identifying Pain Sources Through Diagnostic Blocks

Diagnostic facet joint injections can pinpoint if the facet joints are causing pain. If the injection greatly reduces pain, it suggests the facet joints are the problem. Studies show that these blocks are essential in finding the pain’s source before trying more serious treatments (Source: NCBI).

Expected Duration of Pain Relief

The length of time pain relief lasts after a cervical facet block varies. Some people get relief that lasts just a short while, while others enjoy longer-lasting benefits. The exact duration depends on the condition being treated and the type of medication used.

Predicting Response to Other Treatments

Cervical facet blocks can also forecast how well a patient might do with other treatments, like radiofrequency ablation. If a diagnostic block works well, it might mean the patient will also respond well to more advanced treatments.

The Cervical Facet Injection Procedure: Step-by-Step

Knowing what happens during a cervical facet injection can make patients feel more at ease. The process is designed to be safe and effective. It uses advanced imaging to guide the injection.

Pre-Procedure Preparation and Evaluation

Before the injection, patients get a detailed check-up. This ensures they’re a good fit for the procedure. They review their medical history, current meds, and any allergies.

Getting ready before the procedure is key to avoiding risks and making the injection work better.

Positioning and Injection Technique

Patients lie on their stomachs during the procedure. The area where the injection will happen is cleaned and numbed. This helps reduce any pain.

The doctor uses fluoroscopy to guide the needle to the right spot. Fluoroscopy’s precision is what makes the procedure successful.

Post-Procedure Monitoring and Care

After the injection, patients are watched for a bit to see if they have any reactions or problems.

Then, they get instructions on how to take care of themselves after the procedure. Following these care instructions is important for the best results.

Advanced Imaging Techniques Used in Cervical Spine Facet Injections

Advanced imaging has changed how we do cervical spine facet injections. These methods give us a clear view in real time. This makes the procedure more precise and safer.

Fluoroscopy-Guided Precision

Fluoroscopy is key in these injections. It shows real-time X-ray images. This lets doctors guide the needle accurately.

With fluoroscopy, we see the spine’s details clearly. This helps us place the needle exactly right. We can make changes as we go to get it just right.

Alternative Imaging Methods for Special Cases

While fluoroscopy is the main method, other methods are used too. For example, CT scans or ultrasound might be used. This is when the patient’s body or other factors make things tricky.

These other methods let us tailor the treatment to each patient. Having many options means we can always find the best way to help.

Importance of Real-Time Visualization for Safety

Seeing things in real time is critical for safety. It lets us watch the needle and the injection closely. This lowers the chance of problems like nerve damage or bleeding.

Thanks to these imaging tools, we can make sure the treatment works well and safely. Safety is our top priority in these injections.

Targeting Specific Levels: C5-6 Facet Joint Injection and Other Common Sites

When it comes to cervical facet joint injections, precision is key. This is true for levels like C5-6, which often face degenerative changes. The cervical spine is complex, and knowing which levels are most affected is key to effective treatment.

Most Frequently Affected Cervical Levels

The C5-6 level is often affected due to its anatomy and the stress it bears. C5-6 facet joint injections are common to treat pain from degeneration and arthritis.

Levels like C4-5 and C6-7 may also be targeted based on the patient’s condition and pain. We use advanced imaging to pinpoint pain sources and choose the best injection level.

Tailoring Treatment to Specific Pain Patterns

Every patient’s pain is unique, and we tailor our treatment to fit. By identifying the specific cervical levels involved, we can deliver cervical facet joint injections with precision. This maximizes the treatment’s effect while reducing side effects.

The procedure involves injecting a mix of anesthetic and steroid into the targeted facet joint. This reduces inflammation and provides pain relief for many patients.

Multiple Level Injections vs. Single Level Approach

The choice between facet joint neck injections at one or multiple levels depends on the patient’s condition. Sometimes, multiple levels are needed for optimal pain relief. Other times, a single level is enough.

We evaluate each patient’s condition carefully, using diagnostic tools and our expertise. By targeting the specific levels causing pain, we can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.

In conclusion, C5-6 facet joint injection and other cervical facet joint injections are valuable for neck pain. By understanding the most affected levels and tailoring treatment, we can provide significant pain relief and improve outcomes.

Effectiveness of Facet Shots in the Neck: Clinical Evidence

Research supports the use of cervical facet injections for neck pain. Studies show they help patients with chronic neck pain feel better.

Success Rates in Different Patient Populations

Cervical facet injections work well for many patients. For example, those with whiplash and facet joint arthritis see a big drop in pain.

• Patients with chronic neck pain from facet joint issues often get relief from these injections.
• The success of facet shots can depend on the cause of pain and the patient’s health.

Short-term vs. Medium-term Pain Relief Outcomes

Studies look at both short and medium-term effects of these injections. Some feel better right away, while others take longer.

Key findings include:

1. Many patients get pain relief that lasts up to 4 weeks.
2. Relief that lasts longer than 8 weeks is possible, thanks to corticosteroids in the shots.

Factors That Influence Treatment Success

Several things can affect how well cervical facet injections work. These include how accurate the shot is, the type of medicine used, and who gets the treatment.

Important considerations:

• How well the injection is done, often with help from imaging, is key to success.
• Choosing the right patients, based on how they react to test shots, can make the treatment more effective.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Cervical Facet Injections

Cervical facet injections are generally safe. But there are possible side effects and risks. Knowing about these is key to making good choices about your health.

Common and Minor Side Effects

Most people don’t have serious side effects from these injections. Minor side effects include:

• Temporary soreness or pain at the injection site
• Mild headache or fatigue
• Temporary numbness or weakness in the neck or arm
• Facial flushing or sweating

These effects usually go away in a few days.

Rare but Serious Complications

Even though rare, serious problems can happen. These include:

• Infection at the injection site
• Nerve damage or spinal cord injury
• Allergic reactions to the medications used
• Bleeding or hematoma formation

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

Risk Minimization Strategies for Providers and Patients

To lower the risks of cervical facet injections, both providers and patients can do several things:

1. Thorough pre-procedure evaluation: This includes checking your medical history, current medications, and any allergies.
2. Use of advanced imaging techniques: Techniques like fluoroscopy help guide the injection accurately, reducing the risk of complications.
3. Strict sterile technique: This minimizes the risk of infection during the procedure.
4. Post-procedure monitoring: Patients are typically monitored for a short period after the procedure to catch any immediate adverse reactions.

By knowing the possible side effects and risks, and by working closely with your healthcare provider, you can make informed decisions. This helps minimize any complications.

Cervical Facet Block as a Precursor to Radiofrequency Ablation

For those with chronic neck pain, cervical facet blocks can lead to more advanced treatments like radiofrequency ablation. This method helps doctors see if more invasive procedures will work.

Diagnostic Role in Treatment Planning

Cervical facet blocks help determine if the facet joints cause neck pain. Doctors inject a local anesthetic into the joint. This numbs the area and shows if the pain goes away.

Key benefits of using cervical facet blocks include:

• Identifying the source of pain
• Assessing the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation
• Providing temporary pain relief

Comparing Injection Duration vs. Ablation Benefits

Cervical facet injections give temporary relief, but radiofrequency ablation offers long-term pain relief. We compare these to find the best treatment plan.

Deciding on radiofrequency ablation comes after a positive response to facet blocks. This ensures the treatment targets the pain source correctly.

When to Consider More Advanced Interventions

Those who get relief from facet blocks but need more help might get radiofrequency ablation. It’s for when other treatments fail and pain greatly affects daily life.

We look at each patient’s response to facet blocks and other factors to choose the best treatment.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Neck Facet Joint Injections?

To find the right person for neck facet joint injections, we need to know their health history and current situation. We check many things to see if these injections are the best choice.

Patient Selection Criteria

People with chronic neck pain from facet joint problems are often good candidates. They should have tried other treatments like physical therapy or medicine without success. We also look for pain, tenderness, and limited movement in the neck.

Key factors in patient selection include:

• A clear diagnosis of facet joint syndrome
• Failure to achieve adequate pain relief with conservative management
• Absence of contraindications such as infection or bleeding disorders

Medical Contraindications

Even though facet joint injections help many, some health issues make them risky. We check for any conditions that could make the procedure unsafe.

Contraindications may include:

• Active infection or sepsis
• Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy
• Allergy to the injected medications
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

When to Try Injections vs. Other Treatments

Choosing between injections and other treatments depends on several things. We look at how bad the symptoms are, what treatments have been tried before, and the patient’s health. We weigh the benefits and risks of injections against other options like physical therapy or medicine.

Often, injections are part of a bigger treatment plan. We look at each patient’s situation to find the best way to help with their neck pain.

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Cervical Facet Injections

We’ve looked into cervical facet injections, a key treatment for chronic neck pain. Knowing about the procedure, its benefits, and risks helps patients make smart choices about their care.

Cervical spine facet injections help both diagnose and treat chronic neck pain. With the help of healthcare providers, patients can decide if these injections are right for them.

Patients can make informed decisions by considering the benefits and risks. We’ve seen how these injections can help with whiplash and facet joint arthritis. This knowledge lets patients work with their healthcare team to get the best results.

FAQ

Reference:

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – PMC. (2020). Facet joint injections for management of chronic spinal pain: A systematic review of effectiveness and complications. Pain Physician Journal, 23(6), S149–S182.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7343261