Neck pain is common, especially for people past 50 years of age. But what causes it? Most neck pain is caused by activities that strain the neck. Hanging clothes, slouching, or sleeping with your neck twisted are some things that can cause neck pain. These may cause swelling of joints in the neck, muscle spasm, or just a constant strain in the neck area. Physical injuries such as falling off a chair or whiplash from a car accident can cause neck pain. Some less common medical problems can also lead to neck pain.

Facet Joint Injection is provided to confirm that the facet joints cause the pain and to relief the back, neck or shoulder pain and inflammation. Each vertebra in the spine is connected by two facet joints. A local anesthetic numbs the skin and tissue down to facet joint.

Physician uses fluoroscope and contrast solution to confirm the correct placement of needle tip. A mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid medication is injected to the joint. Sometimes two or more injections might be needed. If patient feels pain relief just after injection, this confirms that the facet joint was the source of pain.

However pain may return after local anesthetic effect ends. Usually it takes about a week to reduce inflammation and pain. Pain relief can last up to several months.