Targeted, image-guided treatment to relieve pain caused by arthritis or inflammation in the spine’s small joints.
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat pain coming from the small joints between the vertebrae of your spine — called facet joints. These joints can become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or normal wear and tear, leading to chronic back or neck pain.
During the procedure, a small amount of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is injected directly into the affected joint using X-ray or ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy.
Facet joint injections are typically recommended for:
caused by cervical facet degeneration
not caused by disc herniation but by joint wear
from prolonged sitting, twisting, or repetitive movements
Quick, outpatient procedure (usually 15–30 minutes)
Immediate pain relief for many patients
Helps confirm the exact source of pain
Helps confirm the exact source of pain to guide long-term treatment
Reduces dependency on pain medication
May delay or prevent the need for surgery
Performed under local anesthesia with image guidance for accuracy.
Depending on response, if diagnostic Medial Branch Blocks are successful, Dr. Babak may recommend Radiofrequency Ablation for longer relief
MRI or diagnostic scans identify which joints are affected.
Minimal downtime; most patients resume normal activity within 24 hours.
If chronic neck or back pain is limiting your movement, facet joint injections may offer precise, lasting relief without surgery. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Babak Babakhani to see if this treatment is right for you.
