Procedure Description
Intraarticular facet joint injections and medial branch nerve blocks are two minimally invasive, image-guided procedures used to diagnose and treat pain coming from the facet joints of the spine. These joints connect the vertebrae and help provide stability and movement in the neck, mid-back, and lower back. Over time, they can become arthritic, inflamed, or injured, leading to chronic neck or back pain.
Facet joint injections deliver medication directly into the joint capsule to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Medial branch nerve blocks target the tiny sensory nerves (medial branches) that transmit pain from the facet joints, and are commonly used as a diagnostic tool to confirm the source of pain.
If the blocks are effective, patients may be candidates for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-term relief.
What It Treats
These procedures are used for patients with:
Chronic neck, mid-back, or lower back pain
Facet joint arthritis (facet arthropathy)
Pain after whiplash or spinal injury
Postural or mechanical back pain
Stiffness and pain with twisting or extension
Failed back surgery syndrome with suspected facet involvement
Symptoms may include deep aching near the spine, worse pain with bending or rotating, or morning stiffness.
How It Is Performed
You will lie on your stomach (for back) or side (for neck) on a procedure table.
The skin over the injection area is cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic.
Under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a thin needle is inserted:
For facet joint injections, the needle is placed directly into the facet joint capsule, and a small amount of local anesthetic and steroid is injected.
For medial branch blocks, the needle is placed near the medial branch nerves, and a small amount of local anesthetic is injected.
You may be asked to move or test your pain levels after the procedure to assess effectiveness.
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, and is performed in an outpatient setting.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
You may eat and drink normally unless sedation is planned (then no food or drink for 6 hours).
Continue routine medications unless instructed otherwise. Some blood thinners may need to be paused—follow your provider’s directions.
Inform your provider if you:
Are allergic to local anesthetics, contrast dye, or steroids
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have an active infection or fever
Arrange for transportation if sedation is used or if mobility is temporarily affected.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to the neck or back.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Pain relief may occur immediately if the injected area is the source of pain, particularly with medial branch blocks.
Relief from facet joint injections may develop gradually over 1–5 days as the steroid takes effect.
You may experience temporary numbness or weakness, or mild soreness at the injection site.
Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after the procedure.
A pain diary may be provided to help track your response, especially if the procedure is diagnostic.
If pain relief is temporary but significant (≥50%), your provider may recommend radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the medial branch nerves for longer-lasting relief.
Call your provider if you experience:
Signs of infection (fever, chills, redness, or swelling at the injection site)
Persistent numbness or weakness
New or worsening symptoms
Targeted Relief for Chronic Spinal Joint Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we offer precision-guided intraarticular facet injections and medial branch nerve blocks to help patients with chronic neck or back pain regain mobility and improve quality of life. Whether for diagnosis or treatment, these procedures are a vital step toward lasting pain relief.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to determine if facet joint or medial branch blocks are right for your condition.