Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Chronic neck pain can really get in the way of daily life. It can make you feel miserable and affect your overall health. At Liv Hospital, we offer a solution with cervical facet joint injections. We combine top-notch medical care with caring support to help you manage your pain.

Facet joint injections in the neck are a minimally invasive way to treat pain. They target the facet joints in the cervical spine. Conditions like facet joint arthritis and spondylosis can cause a lot of pain. These injections offer a focused way to manage pain.

We will look at seven important facts about these injections. This will help you make better choices about your treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the role of facet joint injections in managing chronic neck pain.
• The procedure’s benefits and what to expect during treatment.
• How Liv Hospital’s approach combines expertise with patient-centered care.
• The importance of accurately diagnosing the source of neck pain.
• Minimally invasive treatment options for facet joint-related conditions.

Understanding Cervical Facet Joints and Their Role in Neck Pain

Learning about cervical facet joints is important for dealing with neck pain. These small joints are key to the neck’s flexibility and stability. They help the neck move freely while keeping the head stable.

Cervical facet joints, or zygapophysial joints, connect the back parts of vertebrae. They are essential for guiding and limiting the neck’s movement. This prevents too much motion that could harm the spine.

Anatomy of Cervical Facet Joints

The anatomy of cervical facet joints is quite complex. It includes a joint capsule, synovial lining, and articular cartilage. These parts work together to ensure smooth movement and shock absorption. The joints are also connected to nerves that carry pain signals.

The cervical spine has seven vertebrae (C1-C7), with facet joints between each vertebra. These joints help the neck be both flexible and stable.

Common Causes of Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint pain can come from many sources. Degenerative changes from aging or wear and tear can cause osteoarthritis. This leads to pain and stiffness. Trauma, like whiplash, can also damage the joints, causing pain.

Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also affect the facet joints. This causes pain and limits movement. Knowing these causes helps in diagnosing and treating facet joint pain.

Neck Facet Joint Injections: Definition and Medical Purpose

Neck facet joint injections are a special treatment for neck pain. They involve putting a local anesthetic and a steroid into the facet joint. This is done under X-ray or CT scan to help both diagnose and treat the pain.

How These Injections Work

The treatment involves injecting medicine into or around the facet joints in the neck. The medicine includes a local anesthetic to block pain and a steroid to lessen swelling. This targets the specific joint causing pain, helping to find and fix the issue.

Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Applications

Neck facet joint injections have two main uses: for diagnosis and as a treatment.

• Diagnostic Use: Injecting a local anesthetic into a facet joint helps find the pain source. If pain goes away after the injection, it confirms the joint is the problem.
• Therapeutic Use: The steroid in the injection helps reduce swelling and can offer long-term pain relief. This makes it a treatment for ongoing neck pain.

Key Fact 1: Dual Function in Pain Management

Facet joint injections are great because they help in two ways. They can figure out where the pain is and also help treat it. This makes them very useful in managing pain.

Identifying Pain Sources Through Diagnostic Blocks

Diagnostic blocks are key in finding out where pain comes from. A doctor injects a local anesthetic into the facet joint. This helps find out if the joint is causing the pain.

If the pain goes away after the injection, it shows the joint is the pain source.

Key benefits of diagnostic blocks include:

• Accurate diagnosis of facet joint pain
• Guiding further treatment plans
• Reducing the need for more invasive procedures

Long-term Therapeutic Benefits

Facet joint injections also help in the long run. By using corticosteroids, they can lower inflammation and ease pain. This can help for months, making life better for the patient.

The therapeutic benefits are multifaceted:

1. Reduced inflammation
2. Significant pain relief
3. Improved mobility and function

In summary, facet joint injections are vital for pain management. They help diagnose and treat pain. Knowing how they work helps patients choose the best treatment for them.

Key Fact 2: The Procedure and Technology Behind Cervical Facet Injections

Cervical facet injections are more than just injecting medicine. They need precise guidance. Advanced imaging, like fluoroscopy and CT scan, ensures this accuracy.

Fluoroscopic and CT Guidance Techniques

Fluoroscopy uses real-time X-rays to guide the needle. This method ensures the medicine goes exactly where it’s needed. CT scans provide detailed images, making the injection even more precise.

“The use of fluoroscopic or CT guidance is key for cervical facet injections,” notes a pain management expert. “These technologies help us see the needle’s position in real-time. This reduces risks and improves results.”

Medication Components: Local Anesthetic and Steroids

The medicine in cervical facet injections has two parts: a local anesthetic and steroids. The local anesthetic numbs the area right away. Steroids then reduce swelling and offer lasting pain relief.

• Local Anesthetic: Provides immediate pain relief by numbing the facet joint.
• Steroids reduce inflammation and provide longer-term pain relief.

Step-by-Step Injection Process

The injection process has several steps:

1. Preparation: The patient lies on an X-ray table, and the skin is cleaned and sterilized.
2. Guidance: Using fluoroscopy or CT, the needle is guided into the facet joint.
3. Injection: The medicine is injected into the joint.
4. Verification: The needle’s placement is checked with contrast material.

Cervical facet injections combine advanced imaging and precise techniques. This makes them a very effective treatment for neck pain.

Key Fact 3: Medical Conditions Treated with Cervical Facet Blocks

Cervical facet blocks are a versatile treatment option for various medical conditions that cause neck pain. These injections are used to manage pain arising from different sources in the cervical spine.

Chronic Neck Pain and Stiffness

One of the primary uses of cervical facet blocks is in the treatment of chronic neck pain and stiffness. This condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making everyday activities challenging. By injecting medication directly into the facet joints, we can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, providing relief to patients suffering from chronic neck pain.

• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Improved range of motion
• Enhanced quality of life

Whiplash-Associated Disorders

Whiplash-associated disorders are another condition that can be effectively managed with cervical facet blocks. Whiplash injuries, often sustained during car accidents, can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in the neck. By targeting the facet joints with injections, we can help alleviate the pain associated with whiplash, facilitating recovery and return to normal activities.

Cervical Spondylosis and Arthritis

Cervical facet blocks are also used to treat degenerative conditions such as cervical spondylosis and arthritis. These conditions involve wear and tear on the joints and discs in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness. The injections can help reduce inflammation and pain, improving the overall condition of the patient.

In summary, cervical facet blocks are a valuable treatment option for various medical conditions that cause neck pain, including chronic neck pain and stiffness, whiplash-associated disorders, and degenerative conditions like cervical spondylosis and arthritis.

Key Fact 4: Targeting Specific Levels in the Cervical Spine

When treating neck pain with facet joint injections, knowing which cervical spine levels to target is key. The cervical spine has seven vertebrae, labeled C1 to C7. Each vertebra has facet joints that can cause pain.

Understanding Cervical Vertebrae Numbering

The cervical vertebrae start with C1 at the top, just below the skull, and end with C7 at the neck’s base. This numbering helps pinpoint the facet joints causing pain. Accurate diagnosis is vital to avoid treating the wrong level and ensure effective pain relief.

The cervical spine is split into three parts: the upper (C1-C3), middle (C4-C5), and lower (C6-C7) regions. Each part has its own pain sources. Knowing this helps doctors target the right facet joints for injections.

C5-6 Facet Joint Injection and Other Common Sites

The C5-6 level is often targeted for facet joint injections. It’s prone to strain and degeneration due to its location and movement. Other common sites include C4-5 and C6-7.

Facet joint injections at these levels can greatly help those with chronic neck pain. By focusing on the specific pain sources, doctors can offer more effective treatments.

Knowing the anatomy and common pain areas in the cervical spine is key to effective treatment. By precisely targeting facet joints, patients can find relief and improve their quality of life.

Key Fact 5: Effectiveness and Duration of Pain Relief

Neck facet joint injections can provide pain relief for a short or long time. How well these injections work is key to treating neck pain.

Short-term vs. Long-term Results

The pain relief from cervical facet injections can vary. Some people get short-term relief that lasts weeks or months. Others enjoy long-term benefits that last a year or more.

Research shows that how you feel right after the injection can predict long-term success. Those who feel a lot of relief right away are more likely to keep feeling better.

Factors That Influence Treatment Success

Many things can affect how well cervical facet injections work. These include how accurate the injection is, the cause of the pain, and the patient’s health.

• The specific level of the cervical spine being treated
• The presence of any underlying medical conditions
• The patient’s overall health and response to treatment

Understanding these factors helps doctors choose the right patients for cervical facet injections. This way, they can make treatment more effective and last longer.

Key Fact 6: Safety Profile and Possible Side Effects of Facet Shots in the Neck

The safety of facet shots in the neck is very important. They are usually safe but can cause side effects. These can range from mild soreness to serious complications.

Common and Mild Side Effects

Most people who get facet joint injections in their neck don’t have big problems. They might feel sore where the shot was given, have mild headaches, or feel a bit dizzy. These issues usually go away in a few days.

Here’s a table showing how often these side effects happen:

Rare but Serious Complications

Even though they are rare, serious problems can happen. These include infections, nerve damage, or allergic reactions. It’s key for patients to know about these risks and talk to their doctor about them.

Severe complications, though rare, need quick medical help. Patients need to know when to seek urgent care. This includes severe pain, fever, or trouble swallowing.

In summary, facet shots in the neck are usually safe. But it’s vital to know about possible side effects and complications. This helps keep patients safe and makes informed choices.

Key Fact 7: When to Consider Cervical Spine Facet Injections

When other treatments don’t work, cervical spine facet injections can help a lot. They are considered when other methods haven’t eased the pain enough. Knowing when to use these injections is key for both patients and doctors.

After Failed Conservative Treatments

First, we try treatments like physical therapy and medicine to fight neck pain. But if these don’t help, injections might be next. It’s important to try other treatments first.

Doctors decide on injections after checking how well previous treatments worked. They look at how much pain you have, how it affects your daily life, and if other treatments have helped.

Ideal Candidates for the Procedure

Finding the right person for injections means looking at their health history and how they’ve reacted to treatments. Those with long-term neck pain from facet joints are often a good fit.

Choosing the right candidates helps make sure injections work well and helps patients feel better.

The Patient Experience: Before, During, and After Neck Facet Joint Injections

Thinking about neck facet joint injections? It’s key to know what happens before, during, and after. We help our patients through every step for a smooth experience.

Preparation Guidelines

Before the procedure, there are important steps to take. Patients should:

• Tell their doctor about any medications, like blood thinners. Do not eat or drink for a few hours if sedation is used.
• Have someone drive them home after.

It’s also good to have realistic hopes. The procedure works differently for everyone.

What Happens During the Procedure

During the procedure, we use special imaging to guide the injection. Here’s what you can expect:

1. You’ll lie on an X-ray table, and the area will be cleaned.
2. A local anesthetic will numb the area.
3. The needle will be placed in the facet joint under imaging.
4. A mix of local anesthetic and steroid will be injected for pain relief.

Post-Procedure Care and Activity Recommendations

After the procedure, you’ll be watched for a bit before going home. To recover well, we suggest:

• Resting for the rest of the day and avoiding hard activities.
• Use ice on the injection site if it hurts.
• See your doctor as planned to check how the treatment is working.

By following these steps, patients can get the most from their injections and recover faster.

Conclusion

Neck facet joint injections are a key treatment for chronic neck pain. They help manage pain from facet joint problems. By knowing the facts, patients can choose the best care for themselves.

We’ve looked at how cervical facet joints cause pain and how injections work. We’ve also talked about how they help diagnose and treat pain. This shows how these injections can be a big help.

These injections do two important things: they help find the source of pain and relieve it. Thanks to precise techniques like fluoroscopy and CT scans, the treatment is very accurate. The medicine used, like local anesthetics and steroids, goes straight to the pain source.

They work well for many neck pain issues, like chronic pain, whiplash, and cervical spondylosis. This makes them a big step forward in managing pain.

In short, cervical facet joint injections are a big win for pain management. We hope this summary helps patients understand their options better. This way, they can make choices that are right for them.

FAQ

Reference:

Hurley, R. W., Cohen, S. P., Hooten, W. M., & Patel, A. (2021). Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for cervical spine (facet) joint pain. Pain Medicine, 22(11), 2443–2472. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8639967/