The facet (or zygoapophyseal) joints help create the series of arches which form the tunnel known as the spinal canal. The spinal and spinal nerves are protected within this bony tunnel as the spine moves. Each segment of the spine has a pair of facet joints, from the neck area all the to the low back region. These joints can become painful from trauma or degenerative changes, much in the same way arthritis can develop in other joints, such as the hip or knee. Whiplash and twisting injuries commonly cause facet joint pain. Facet injections are used to both diagnose and treat pain arising from the facet joints. The site of injection is determined by physical examination and imaging studies. Using X-RAY guidance, the target joint is precisely injected and the results help determine future treatment options. Pain relief is often immediate and dramatic. A local anesthetic is administered, and the injection is usually not uncomfortable. A sedative may be provided if necessary. We ask for no eating of drinking 6 hrs before the treatment and arranging a driver to take you home. Most patients resume normal activities the next day.
