Are Cervical Facet Injections Painful? What It Feels Like

It’s hard to know what to expect from a procedure you’ve never had before. When you hear “injection in your neck,” your mind might jump to the worst-case scenario. But are cervical facet injections painful in the way you might be thinking? For most people, the answer is no. The sensation is often compared to a dental numbing shot or even a standard flu vaccine—a quick pinch, followed by a feeling of pressure. This article will put the procedure into perspective, comparing the sensations to more familiar experiences and explaining how our team ensures your comfort throughout the quick, minimally invasive treatment. Let’s break down what it really feels like.

Key Takeaways

• Expect Pressure, Not Sharp Pain: A local anesthetic numbs the area first, so the main sensation during the quick procedure is a feeling of pressure. The initial pinch from the numbing shot is typically the most noticeable part.
• Pinpoint the Problem and Treat It Simultaneously: These injections serve a dual purpose by confirming the exact facet joint causing your pain while also delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source for relief.
• Plan for a Brief Recovery and Lasting Relief: It’s normal to feel sore for a day or two, but real relief from the steroid medication usually begins within a week. This procedure is a key step in creating a long-term strategy for managing your neck pain.

What Are Cervical Facet Injections and How Do They Help?

Before we talk about what a cervical facet injection feels like, it helps to understand exactly what we’re doing and why. Knowing the purpose behind the procedure can make the entire process feel much more manageable. A cervical facet joint injection is a straightforward, minimally invasive treatment designed to address specific types of neck pain. It’s one of the most effective tools we have for both diagnosing and treating pain that starts in the small joints of your neck.

What Are Cervical Facet Joints?

Think of cervical facet joints as the tiny, stabilizing joints that line the back of your neck. You have pairs of them between each vertebra, and their main job is to guide movement and provide stability for your spine. When you turn your head or look up and down, these joints are hard at work.

Like any other joint in your body, they can become worn down or inflamed from arthritis, an injury, or just daily wear and tear. When that happens, the resulting inflammation can cause persistent neck pain, stiffness, and even headaches. The pain can also radiate into your shoulders or upper back, making simple movements uncomfortable.

How Do These Injections Provide Relief?

Cervical facet injections serve two important purposes. First, they act as a diagnostic tool. If you’re experiencing chronic neck pain, it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact source. By injecting a local anesthetic (a numbing medication) directly into a specific facet joint, we can see if your pain temporarily disappears. If it does, we’ve successfully confirmed that joint is the culprit. This is often called a diagnostic facet joint block.

Second, these injections provide therapeutic relief. The injection contains a corticosteroid, which is a strong anti-inflammatory medication. This steroid reduces swelling and irritation in the joint, offering pain relief that can last for months. It calms the inflammation right at the source, giving the joint a chance to heal and providing you with significant relief.

What Conditions Do They Treat?

These injections are primarily used to treat chronic neck, shoulder, and upper back pain caused by inflammation or irritation of the cervical facet joints. This condition is often called facet joint syndrome or facet arthropathy, which is essentially arthritis in these specific joints.

If your pain gets worse when you twist your neck or lean your head back, it might be related to your facet joints. Cervical facet injections can be an excellent treatment option for this type of localized joint pain. By precisely targeting the inflamed joint, we can provide relief and help you get back to your daily activities with greater comfort and mobility.

What Does a Cervical Facet Injection Feel Like?

It’s completely normal to feel a little anxious about any procedure involving a needle, especially near your neck. The good news is that a cervical facet joint injection is a very quick, minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce your pain, not cause more of it. Most people find the experience much more manageable than they expected.

Our team at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists prioritizes your comfort every step of the way. We’ll talk you through the entire process so you know exactly what’s happening and what to expect. While everyone’s experience is slightly different, the sensations are generally predictable. You won’t feel sharp pain during the injection itself, but you will notice a few distinct feelings as we work to deliver relief directly to the source of your discomfort. Let’s walk through what you can expect to feel from start to finish.

The Numbing Sensation

The very first thing you’ll feel is the application of a local anesthetic. We do this to numb the skin and the tissue underneath before the main injection. You can expect a brief sting or a slight burning feeling right as the numbing medication is injected—many people say it feels similar to a bee sting or the numbing shot you get at the dentist’s office. This sensation only lasts for a few seconds. After that, the area will quickly become numb, ensuring the rest of the procedure is as comfortable as possible for you.

Feeling Pressure During the Procedure

Once the numbing medication has taken full effect, we will proceed with the actual facet injection. Because the area is numb, you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain. Instead, you will likely feel a sense of pressure. As the needle is carefully guided to the targeted facet joint, you might feel a dull pressure or a pushing sensation. This is a completely normal part of the process and a good sign that the needle is in the correct position. We will let you know right before you feel this, so it won’t come as a surprise.

How Long It Takes and How We Communicate

The entire injection procedure is surprisingly fast, usually taking just a few minutes to complete. Throughout this time, our team will be communicating with you, explaining what we’re doing and what you’re about to feel. After the injection, your neck might feel a little heavy or weak for a few hours as the anesthetic wears off. It’s also common for your pain to temporarily increase for a day or two before the steroid medication begins to work its magic. We’ll provide you with all the aftercare instructions you need through our Patient Center to manage this temporary soreness.

Putting the Pain in Perspective: How Do These Injections Compare?

It’s completely normal to wonder what a procedure will feel like before you have it done. When you’re already dealing with chronic neck pain, the last thing you want is more discomfort. The good news is that most people find cervical facet injections to be very manageable. The goal is to provide you with long-term relief, and our team is focused on making the process as comfortable as possible from start to finish.

To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down what you can expect and how the sensation compares to other medical procedures you might be more familiar with. We’ll also talk about the factors that can influence your personal experience and the options available to help you feel at ease.

Comparing the Discomfort to Other Procedures

If you’re worried about the injection itself, you might be relieved to know that most patients say the initial pinch from the local anesthetic is the most noticeable part. It’s a quick sting, similar to what you’d feel with any shot. After the area is numb, you’ll likely just feel a sense of pressure as the medication is administered, not sharp pain.

Many people compare the sensation to getting an epidural or even a standard dental numbing shot. The procedure for a cervical facet joint injection is quick, and we talk you through every step. The temporary discomfort is a small trade-off for the potential relief that follows.

What Factors Influence Your Experience?

Everyone experiences sensations differently, and your personal pain tolerance and anxiety level can play a role in how you feel during the injection. It’s important to remember that what one person finds mildly uncomfortable, another might not even notice. Most people tolerate the procedure extremely well with just a local anesthetic.

Our team, led by Dr. Ajith Nair, has performed countless facet injections. We are skilled at making the process smooth and keeping you comfortable. Your peace of mind is a priority, and we adjust our approach to fit your needs, ensuring you feel supported throughout your visit.

Your Options for Managing Anxiety

Feeling nervous about a medical procedure is incredibly common. If you are particularly anxious, please let us know. We can provide medicine through an IV to help you relax and feel calm during the injection. This is a safe and effective option that helps many patients have a more positive experience.

If you choose to receive sedation, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. If you only have the local anesthetic, you can typically drive yourself. We encourage you to visit our Patient Center for more information and to discuss any concerns with us beforehand so we can create the best plan for you.

How to Prepare for Your Cervical Facet Injection

A little preparation can make a big difference in your experience and recovery. Knowing what to do before your appointment helps ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, allowing you to focus on feeling better. Taking these simple steps will set you up for a comfortable procedure and a straightforward recovery.

Medication Guidelines Before Your Appointment

Before your cervical facet injection, we’ll need to review all the medications and supplements you currently take. It’s especially important to let us know about any blood-thinning medications, as your doctor might ask you to stop them a few days before the injection. This precaution helps minimize the risk of bleeding during the procedure, ensuring a safer experience. Always follow the specific instructions provided by our team, as they are tailored to your personal health needs. This simple step is a key part of keeping you safe and making sure the procedure is effective.

Tips for Staying Calm and Prepared

It’s completely normal to feel some anxiety before a medical procedure. We want you to be as comfortable as possible, so please share any concerns with us. To help you feel more at ease, you might get medicine through an IV to help you relax. This is a common option we can discuss with you beforehand to see if it’s a good fit. On the day of your appointment, wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing can also make a difference. Our team is here to support you, so don’t hesitate to ask questions at any point.

Arrange for a Ride and Plan for Recovery

Planning ahead for your post-procedure care is essential. If you are sedated, you’ll need someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to operate a vehicle safely. Please arrange for a trusted friend or family member to accompany you to your appointment. After the injection, it’s important to be cautious with your neck movements for the rest of the day. This means avoiding any sudden turns or strenuous activities that could strain the area. Taking it easy for the first 24 hours is the best way to support your body as it begins to heal.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Procedure

Knowing exactly what to expect can make any medical procedure feel less intimidating. A cervical facet injection is a quick, minimally invasive treatment designed to diagnose and relieve neck pain. From start to finish, our team is focused on your comfort and safety. We’ll walk you through every step, ensuring you feel informed and at ease. The entire process is typically over in just a few minutes, but understanding the flow can help you feel more prepared and in control. Let’s break down what happens during your appointment.

Getting Positioned and Prepping the Area

First, we’ll have you lie comfortably on your stomach on a procedure table. This position gives us the best access to your neck and spine. Once you’re settled, we will carefully clean the skin on your neck with an antiseptic solution. This is a crucial step to prevent any risk of infection. Our specialist, Dr. Nair, uses a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy to get a real-time image of your spine. This live guidance allows us to see the exact location of your facet joints and precisely guide the very thin needle to the target area, ensuring the cervical facet joint injection is both safe and effective.

Applying the Local Anesthetic

Before the main injection, we’ll numb the area. We do this by injecting a small amount of local anesthetic into the skin and deeper tissues where the needle will go. You will likely feel a small pinch or a brief stinging sensation as the numbing medicine goes in—this is completely normal and fades very quickly. Many people compare it to the feeling of a bee sting or the numbing shot you get at the dentist. The goal here is to make the rest of the procedure as comfortable as possible for you. Within moments, the area will feel numb, preparing you for the next step.

The Injection Process Explained

With the area numbed and the needle precisely placed using X-ray guidance, we’ll begin the injection. First, a tiny amount of contrast dye is injected. This lets us see on the X-ray that the needle is perfectly positioned inside the facet joint capsule. Once we’ve confirmed the placement, the therapeutic medication—a mixture of a long-lasting anesthetic and a cortisone steroid—is slowly injected into the joint. You might feel a sense of pressure as the medication is delivered, but it shouldn’t be painful. This is one of our most common pain management treatments, and the entire injection part takes only a minute or two.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Injection

Once your cervical facet injection is complete, we’ll monitor you for a short period to make sure you’re feeling well before you head home. The recovery process begins right away, and knowing what’s coming can make the experience much smoother. Most people find the post-procedure phase very manageable. Your main job is to rest and give the medication time to work. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, but here’s a general idea of the sensations, soreness, and timeline for relief you can anticipate in the hours and days following your injection.

Sensations Right After the Procedure

Immediately after the procedure, the injection area in your neck will likely feel numb. You might also notice a bit of weakness or a heavy sensation in your neck or shoulder. This is completely normal and is caused by the local anesthetic we use to make the procedure comfortable. In fact, some people experience immediate, though temporary, pain relief because of this numbing effect. Don’t be surprised if your usual neck pain seems to vanish for a little while! These sensations are a sign that the anesthetic is doing its job and will gradually fade over the next few hours as the medication wears off.

Why You Might Feel Sore at First

As the local anesthetic wears off, it’s common for your original pain to return. You may also experience some new, temporary soreness right at the injection site. This can sometimes make your pain feel slightly worse for a day or two. Please don’t be discouraged if this happens; it is not a sign that the injection didn’t work. This temporary soreness is a normal response as your body adjusts and the steroid medication begins its work to reduce inflammation. Applying an ice pack to the area for 15–20 minutes at a time can help manage this discomfort and is a key part of addressing persistent neck pain.

When You Can Expect to Feel Relief

The real, lasting relief from a cervical facet joint injection doesn’t happen instantly. The steroid medication needs time to calm the inflammation in your facet joints. Most people begin to feel a noticeable improvement in their pain levels within two to five days after the procedure, though this timeline can vary from person to person. The key is to be patient and allow your body the time it needs to respond to the treatment. Following your aftercare instructions, like avoiding strenuous activity for a day or two, will give the medication the best possible chance to provide significant and lasting relief.

How to Manage Discomfort After Your Injection

Once your cervical facet injection is complete, your focus shifts to recovery. It’s completely normal to feel some tenderness or soreness at the injection site for a day or two. Think of it like the feeling after a flu shot or a good workout—your body is just responding to the treatment. The good news is that this discomfort is usually mild and temporary.

Managing it is straightforward and mostly involves some simple at-home care. By taking a few easy steps, you can stay comfortable while the medication begins to work its magic. We want you to feel confident and prepared for the recovery process, so here’s a clear guide on how to handle any post-injection discomfort and when you should get in touch with our team. Your comfort and successful recovery are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Using Ice and Modifying Your Activities

One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage soreness is with a cold pack. Applying ice to the injection area for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours can help reduce inflammation and numb the tenderness. Just be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin towel to protect your skin.

It’s also important to listen to your body when it comes to activity. We encourage you to do light activities, like walking, but it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least two days. Giving your body this short break allows the injection site to heal properly and helps prevent irritation that could worsen your neck pain.

Simple Pain Management Tips

Beyond icing and rest, you might wonder about other ways to stay comfortable. The soreness you feel is typically manageable without strong medication. If you feel you need something, you can discuss using over-the-counter pain relievers with your doctor to see what’s appropriate for you.

Remember, the initial tenderness is a normal part of the process. The local anesthetic will wear off a few hours after the procedure, and it can take several days for the steroid’s anti-inflammatory effects to fully kick in. Being patient during this brief window is key. These injections are just one of the many treatments we offer to get you on the path to lasting relief.

When to Call Us

We want you to feel supported after you leave our clinic. While some soreness is expected, there are a few signs that mean you should give us a call. If you experience any persistent numbness, give it about 48 hours to resolve on its own. If it continues beyond that, please let us know.

You should also reach out if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or increased redness and swelling at the injection site. And if your pain hasn’t started to improve within 10 days, we want to hear from you. Every patient’s journey is unique, so don’t hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns.

Debunking Myths About Cervical Facet Injection Pain

It’s completely normal to have questions and even some anxiety about a new procedure. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there that can make the idea of a cervical facet injection seem more intimidating than it actually is. Let’s clear up a few common myths so you can feel more confident and informed about your treatment options. Understanding the reality of the procedure can help you focus on the potential for relief rather than the fear of the unknown.

Myth: The Injection is Extremely Painful

Many people assume that any needle near the spine will be intensely painful, but that’s not the case with this procedure. Before the actual injection, we apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. You’ll likely feel a small sting or pinch, similar to any other shot, as the numbing medicine begins to work. Once the area is numb, you should only feel a sense of pressure during the main injection, not sharp pain. The entire process is designed to minimize discomfort, and our team will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible from start to finish.

Myth: Recovery is Long and Difficult

The thought of a long, complicated recovery period can be a major deterrent, but recovery from a facet joint injection is typically very quick. This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day. You might experience some mild soreness or tenderness at the injection site for a day or two, which can usually be managed with an ice pack. Most people can return to their normal activities the following day. It’s nothing like recovering from surgery; there’s no lengthy downtime required.

Myth: One Injection is a Permanent Fix

While a cervical facet joint injection can provide significant and lasting relief, it’s not always a one-time, permanent cure. The duration of pain relief varies from person to person. Some people experience relief for several months or even longer, while others may need repeat injections to maintain the benefits. The goal is to reduce your pain enough to improve your quality of life and allow you to participate more fully in physical therapy or other aspects of your comprehensive pain management plan.

Is a Cervical Facet Injection Right for You?

Deciding on any medical procedure, even a minimally invasive one, is a significant choice. You want to feel confident that you’re on the right path toward feeling better. Cervical facet injections are a powerful tool for both diagnosing and treating neck pain, but they aren’t the right fit for everyone. Understanding who benefits most, what other options exist, and how to talk about it with your doctor can help you make an informed decision about your care. Let’s walk through these key points so you can feel prepared for your next conversation with a pain specialist.

Who Can Benefit Most from This Procedure?

A cervical facet injection can be a great option if you’re dealing with chronic neck pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments. This procedure is particularly helpful for people with pain stemming from spinal arthritis, inflammation, or injury to the facet joints themselves. One of the biggest advantages is its dual purpose: it can provide relief while also serving as a diagnostic tool. If injecting a numbing agent into the joint temporarily resolves your pain, it confirms for us that we’ve found the source. This procedure is most effective for localized neck pain or headaches originating in the neck, rather than pain that radiates down your arms.

Exploring Your Other Treatment Options

It’s important to remember that a cervical facet injection is just one part of a larger pain management strategy. We see it as a conservative, non-surgical step that can provide significant relief without the risks and recovery time of an operation. If the injections confirm the facet joints are the problem but don’t offer long-term relief, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The next step is often a procedure called radiofrequency ablation, which can provide pain relief for much longer. Our goal is always to find the least invasive, most effective treatment for your unique situation, and we have many pain management treatments to consider.

How to Discuss This Option with Your Specialist

A productive conversation with your doctor is the first step toward effective treatment. When you come in for your consultation, be ready to describe your pain in detail—where it is, what it feels like, and what makes it better or worse. It’s also crucial to share your full medical history, including any allergies you have. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. We want you to understand the procedure, the potential outcomes, and the recovery process. Following post-procedure care, like resting and using ice as directed, is key to a successful result. Our team, led by Dr. Ajith Nair, is here to listen and create a plan that works for you.

Related Articles

• Cervical Spine Pain? It Could Be Facet Syndrome
• Cervical Facet Joint Injection | Neck Pain Relief Options
• Radiofrequency – Kentuckiana Pain Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the pain relief from a cervical facet injection last? This is a great question, and the answer really varies from person to person. Some people find relief that lasts for several months, while for others it might be a bit shorter. The goal is to reduce your pain significantly enough to improve your daily life and allow you to engage in other therapies, like physical therapy. The injection’s success can also help us confirm the source of your pain, which is valuable information for your long-term treatment plan.

Are there any risks associated with this procedure? Cervical facet injections are considered a very safe, low-risk procedure, especially when performed by an experienced specialist using X-ray guidance. The most common side effects are temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site. More serious complications like infection or bleeding are very rare. We take every precaution, including thoroughly cleaning the area and reviewing your medications, to ensure your safety is the top priority.

Can I go back to work the day after my injection? Most people are able to return to work and their usual daily routine the day after the procedure. We do recommend taking it easy for the first 24 hours, which means avoiding any heavy lifting or strenuous activities. If your job is physically demanding, you might want to discuss taking an extra day to rest. The best approach is to listen to your body and ease back into your activities as you feel comfortable.

What are the next steps if the injection doesn’t relieve my pain? If a cervical facet injection doesn’t provide the relief we hoped for, it’s not a dead end. In fact, it still gives us important information. If a diagnostic block with numbing medicine temporarily eased your pain, it confirms the facet joint is the problem. In that case, a procedure called radiofrequency ablation, which can offer longer-lasting relief, might be the ideal next step. If the block didn’t help at all, it tells us we need to investigate other potential sources for your neck pain.

How many times can I get a cervical facet injection? There is a limit to how many steroid injections you can receive in a specific joint over a year. This is to protect the joint and surrounding tissues from potential side effects of the steroid. Typically, we can perform up to three injections in the same area within a twelve-month period. If you find that you need injections more frequently, we would likely discuss other treatment options that can provide more durable pain relief.