Facet Joint Injections for Neck Pain: How Cervical Facet Blocks Work

Neck pain is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide, often disrupting daily activities, work, and overall quality of life. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or natural wear and tear, persistent neck pain can be difficult to manage without the right treatment.

For individuals seeking effective, long-term relief, facet joint injections for neck pain offer a minimally invasive solution. These injections help reduce inflammation, alleviate discomfort, and improve mobility by targeting the source of pain directly. In addition to providing relief, they can assist in diagnosing the exact cause of neck pain.

If you're struggling with chronic neck pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, cervical facet injections may be the right option for you.

What Are Facet Joints and How Do They Cause Neck Pain?

Understanding the Role of Facet Joints

Facet joints are small, paired joints located on both sides of the vertebrae in the spine. These joints help control movement and provide stability in the neck, allowing for smooth motion, such as bending and turning your head.

How Facet Joint Dysfunction Leads to Neck Pain

Over time, facet joints can become inflamed or irritated due to:

• Arthritis or degenerative changes
• Trauma or whiplash injuries
• Repetitive strain from poor posture or overuse

When these joints are affected, they can cause stiffness, discomfort, and limited range of motion, making even simple movements painful.

Symptoms of Cervical Facet Joint Pain

• Persistent neck pain that worsens with movement
• Tenderness over the affected joints
• Pain radiating into the shoulders, upper back, or causing back pain.
• Headaches originating from the neck

If these symptoms sound familiar, cervical facet injections may be an effective solution for relief.

What Are Cervical Facet Injections?

Cervical facet injections, also known as facet joint injections for neck pain, are minimally invasive procedures that target pain and inflammation in the facet joints.

How Do They Work?

These injections contain a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid, which helps:

• Numb the affected nerves to provide immediate pain relief
• Reduce inflammation to prevent further irritation
• Improve mobility in the neck and spine

The Procedure for Facet Joint Injections

1. The doctor identifies the affected facet joint using imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound).
2. A small needle is inserted precisely into the inflamed facet joint.
3. A local anesthetic and steroid medication are injected to provide pain relief.
4. The procedure is quick, taking only 15-30 minutes with minimal discomfort.

Most patients can go home the same day and begin experiencing pain relief within a few days.

How Cervical Facet Blocks Work to Relieve Pain

A cervical facet block is a type of facet injection that targets specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints.

How Facet Blocks Provide Relief

• Interrupt Pain Signals: The injection blocks pain messages from traveling to the brain.
• Diagnostic Tool: If pain relief occurs, it confirms the facet joints as the source of discomfort.
• Treatment Option: Repeated facet blocks may provide long-term pain relief when combined with other treatments.

Why Use Facet Blocks?

• Provides immediate and temporary relief
• Helps doctors pinpoint the exact source of pain
• Allows patients to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation more effectively

Who Is a Candidate for Cervical Facet Injections?

Not all neck pain sufferers will benefit from facet injections. The best candidates include individuals who:

• Experience chronic neck pain that worsens with movement
• Have osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or facet joint syndrome
• Have not found relief with physical therapy, medications, or chiropractic care
• Have undergone a successful diagnostic facet block, confirming the facet joints as the pain source

If you experience persistent neck pain that limits your daily activities, talk to a doctor to see if cervical facet injections are right for you.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Cervical Facet Injections for Neck Pain

Pain Relief and Improved Mobility

Facet joint injections help reduce pain and stiffness, allowing patients to move their necks more freely.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Benefits

• Immediate relief may last a few weeks to months
• Repeated injections can provide longer-lasting results
• Often used alongside other treatments like physical therapy for better outcomes

Reduced Reliance on Oral Medications

For those who depend on painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, facet injections can minimize the need for long-term medication use, reducing potential side effects.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Step-by-Step Process 

1. The patient lies comfortably while the area is cleaned and numbed.
2. Under imaging guidance, the doctor inserts a small needle into the affected facet joint.
3. The medication is injected, and the needle is removed.
4. Patients rest briefly before being discharged the same day.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

• Mild soreness or discomfort is normal for a day or two.
• Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.
• Pain relief may take a few days to fully develop as inflammation subsides.

Most patients return to daily activities quickly, with noticeable improvement in pain and movement.

A Minimally Invasive Solution for Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain can be frustrating and debilitating, but cervical facet injections provide a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution. These injections relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce reliance on oral medications, helping patients regain their quality of life.

If neck pain is interfering with your daily activities, it’s time to explore targeted treatment options.

Find Relief with Apex Interventional Pain & Spine

At Apex Interventional Pain & Spine, we specialize in advanced pain management solutions, including facet joint injections tailored to your needs. Our expert team, led by Dr. Mohammed I. Khan, offers personalized care to help you achieve long-term relief.

Contact us to schedule a consultation today to learn how cervical facet injections can help you take control of your neck pain.