What is a cervical facet joint injection?
The cervical facet joints are small joints located along each side of the cervical spine.  They help provide support to the back of the cervical spine.  These joints can become arthritic and painful for a number of reasons.  The joints cause neck pain that radiates to the shoulders and upper arms.  Injection of local anesthetic and steroid into the joint can help relieve pain and treat inflammation of the cervical facet joint.

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How is the procedure performed?
We may start an intravenous line (IV) so that we can give you medication to relax you.  A small needle will be inserted in your neck near the spine.  The needle will be inserted under fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray machine).  This helps your doctor guide the needle to its correct location.  When the needle is in the correct position, local anesthetic and steroid will be injected to temporarily anesthetize the joint and help decrease the inflammation.  The procedure is fairly short and you will be watched closely by our nurses in the recovery room after the procedure.

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What can you expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you will likely notice improved pain relief.  Once the local anesthetic has worn off, typically after several hours, your pain may return.  After about 24-36 hours, the steroid will begin to start reducing the inflammation of the joint and give you longer pain relief; it may take up to one week to receive steroid effect.  You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

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What if you have worrisome side effects or other concerns?
You may experience a small amount of bruising, soreness, or swelling at the site of the injection.  It is best to apply ice to the injection site for 20-30 minutes three or four times a day for the first few days after the injection.  If you develop any other problems, please call our office at (918)742-7030.