• Overview

Or call us on

020 8971 8000

A facet joint injection involves injecting local anaesthetics and sometimes steroids into or around a facet joint.

The local anaesthetics numb the nerves to the facet joint to give pain relief. The steroids reduce inflammation and may make the pain relief last longer.

What is a facet joint?

Your spine is made up of a column of bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are joined together by small facet joints and spongy discs that sit between your vertebrae. Facet joints help to stabilise your spine.

As you get older wear and tear (osteoarthritis) in your facet joints can cause pain. Often the pain is in another area of your body such as your thigh, buttocks or neck. A facet joint injection is a diagnostic tool to help your consultant confirm that your pain is caused by your wear and tear of your facet joints.

What happens during an x-ray guided facet joint injection?

A facet joint injection usually takes less than 30 minutes and is performed using local anaestheticA small drip (called a cannula) may be inserted in the back of your hand so that we can give you drugs immediately should you feel unwell. The needle is very fine so you may not feel a thing when it is inserted. A little opening on the cannula allows fluids to be administered from an IV bag.

We will help you get into position for the injection. An antiseptic will be used to clean the area and a local anaesthetic will be injected. Once we confirm the area is numb, your consultant will carefully insert the needle for your injection. They may inject a dye (colourless contrast fluid) and take an x-ray to confirm the needle is in the right position. Sometimes an ultrasound scanner is used to help guide the needle. Please let us know if you feel any discomfort during the procedure. You may feel some pressure in the injection area or along a nerve. This is usually temporary. We will monitor you carefully during the injection.

Going home after x-ray guided facet joint injection

You should be able to go home shortly after your injection. You will not be able to drive so please arrange for someone to take you home. You should rest if you feel tired. Do not walk long distances, drive, operate machinery (including cooking) until you have fully recovered feeling, movement and coordination.

You should be able to return to normal daily activities the day after your injection.

Keep a record of your pain levels so that your consultant can plan your pain management programme or follow-up treatment.

Most people make a good recovery from facet joint injections. As with any medical procedure there could be complications including:

  • Failure of the injection to relieve your pain
  • Worsening pain
  • Backache or feeling bruised
  • Allergic reaction to local anaesthetic

Rare complications could include:


Parkside Hospital

53 Parkside, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5NX

020 8971 8000

*Free parking for Private and Self Pay Patients. National tariff applies to NHS patients and Visitors only

Switchboard 020 8971 8000
Outpatient appointments 0208 137 8431
NHS England Patients team 0208 971 1261
Private GP service 0208 137 8431
Admissions – for patients booked for surgery 020 8971 8012
Account enquiries 020 8605 2895
Diagnostics 0208 137 8459
Physiotherapy 0208 137 8431
Pathology 0203 340 3471
Finance – to pay a bill or invoice enquiries (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) 020 8605 2895

Ways to pay

Nuffield Health promise

Our prices are all-inclusive. We will equal any comparable price. There are no time limits on your aftercare.

Paying for yourself

There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

Find out more

Personal medical loan

Spread the cost of your treatment with a 6, 10 or 12 month 0% personal medical loan.

Find out more

Medical insurance

We work with you and your insurance provider to get you the treatment you need quickly

Find out more