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- What is it?
- A facet block is performed to confirm that a facet joint is the source of pain and to decrease the pain and inflammation in a facet joint or joints.A facet block can be done on either the low back (lumbar) area or the neck (cervical) area.
- How is it done?
- The patient is given a local skin anesthetic. A needle is then inserted into the facet joint or facet capsule and an anesthetic and steroid are injected by the physician. This is done under fluoroscopy.
- Expected Results:
- Decrease in, or relief of back pain or neck pain.
- How long does it take?
- The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes plus 20 to 30 minutes of recovery time.
- Glossary:
- Facet joints – Joints located on the back of the spine on each side where one vertebra slightly overlaps the adjacent vertebrae. They guide and restrict movement of the spine.Fluoroscopy – X-ray imaging of a part of the body that is displayed on a screen or monitor in the x-ray suite. This facilitates and assures proper placement of the needle and medication.
- Patient Instructions/Forms:
- Please see our Patient Instructions/Forms for more information.
