Facet joint injection
A steroid injection to diagnose or ease back pain
A facet joint injection can be used to diagnose or manage pain in your lower back.
What is a facet joint?
Facet joints are thumbnail-sized pairs of joints in the neck, mid and lower back.
Sometimes, they can cause pain in the head, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, bottom, groin or legs.
A time-release steroid injection can be used to locate which joints are causing pain and help reduce inflammation.
Sometimes, they can cause pain in the head, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, bottom, groin or legs.
A time-release steroid injection can be used to locate which joints are causing pain and help reduce inflammation.
Need to know
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What happens during a facet injection? icon plus
You will be asked to lie on your front. Your consultant will do a type of X-ray called a fluroscopy to get real-time moving internal images of your spine on a screen.
They will use it to locate which facet joint they want to inject. This next part of the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, to block pain in the area. Your consultant will sterilise the skin on your back and inject a local anaesthetic. They will then use a larger needle to slowly inject a steroid solution into the affected facet joint.
This whole procedure usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It can sometimes take longer. You won't need to stay overnight. -
How to prepare icon plus
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and explain the procedure to you. They also answer any questions you may have.
You'll need ask someone to help you get home from the hospital after the procedure, as you won't be able to drive right away. Make sure you tell your consultant if you're taking any medicine, including blood thinning medications. -
After your injection icon plus
After you've had the injection, you might feel some weakness in your legs. This happens if the nerves that control your movement have been temporarily affected. This doesn't last long.
You might feel some pain relief within 15 minutes of the procedure but it can up to a week.
Don't wait, pay for yourself
We offer this treatment at a fixed price at some of our facilities.
Our consultants
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Our locations in London
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Private Facet joint injections in Birmingham
Private Facet joint injections in Manchester
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
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020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.