A Facet Joint Block is an injection of local anesthetic (numbing medicine) into one or more of the small joints located along the side of each vertebra on both sides of the spine. 

 

Multiple injections may be performed, depending upon how many joints/levels are involved. Facet Joint Blocks are typically recommended for patients who have pain primarily in their back or neck as a result of arthritic changes or inflammation in the facet joints or for patients who have mechanical low back pain or neck pain. A Facet Joint Block may be diagnostic and/or therapeutic, providing sustained, long lasting relief of the patient's neck, upper/mid or low back pain.

 

Facet joint blocks are almost always utilized as part of a comprehensive pain management program.