Cervical Facet Injections: What You Need to Know

Considering cervical facet injections is a big step toward managing your neck pain. While you’re focused on relief, it’s just as important to understand the full picture. This guide gives you a clear, straightforward look at the potential side effects. We’ll cover everything from the common, temporary discomfort you can expect to the less common signs that mean you should call your doctor. Knowing what to expect isn’t meant to scare you—it’s about giving you confidence. It helps you manage your recovery and know exactly when to ask for help.

Key Takeaways

• This injection confirms your pain source while treating it: The procedure uses a local anesthetic to provide immediate feedback on the source of your pain and a steroid to deliver long-term relief by reducing inflammation directly at the joint.
• Expect a brief and manageable recovery period: It’s normal to feel some soreness at the injection site for a day or two, and the full pain-relieving effects of the steroid may take several days to kick in.
• Your full health history is key to a safe procedure: Be ready to discuss all your medical conditions and current medications with your doctor, as this information allows them to tailor the treatment and minimize any potential risks.

What Is a Cervical Facet Injection?

If you’re dealing with persistent neck pain, you’ve likely heard about different treatment options. One effective, minimally invasive procedure is the cervical facet injection. Let’s break down what that means. Your spine is made up of vertebrae, and in between each one are small, stabilizing joints called facet joints. The “cervical” part just refers to the area of your spine in your neck. When these joints become inflamed due to arthritis, an injury, or general wear and tear, they can cause significant pain and stiffness.

A cervical facet injection is a procedure where a specialist carefully injects a small amount of medication—typically a local anesthetic and a long-lasting steroid—directly into the affected facet joint. The goal is twofold. First, the anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, which helps confirm that the targeted joint is indeed the source of your discomfort. Second, the steroid works to reduce inflammation over the next few days, offering longer-term relief. It’s a targeted approach that gets the medicine exactly where it needs to go, helping you find relief and get back to your daily activities with greater comfort.

How Do These Injections Relieve Neck Pain?

The process is more straightforward than it might sound. Your doctor will use a live X-ray, called fluoroscopy, to guide a very thin needle precisely into the correct facet joint. This imaging ensures accuracy and safety. Once the needle is in place, the medication is injected into the joint capsule. The anesthetic numbs the area, while the anti-inflammatory steroid gets to work reducing swelling and irritation around the joint and nearby nerves. This procedure can serve as both a diagnostic tool to pinpoint the source of your pain and a therapeutic treatment to relieve it. The entire process is usually quick, often taking just 15 to 30 minutes.

Why Injections Are Used for Diagnosis

One of the biggest challenges with neck pain is that it can be difficult to pinpoint its exact origin. Sometimes, imaging tests like MRIs or X-rays don’t tell the whole story. A scan might show some wear and tear, but it can’t always confirm if a specific joint is the active source of your pain. This is where a cervical facet injection plays a crucial dual role. It’s not just a treatment; it’s also a highly effective diagnostic tool. By delivering medication directly to the suspected joint, your doctor can gather real-time feedback about what’s causing your discomfort, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and a more effective long-term treatment strategy.

Pinpointing the Source of Pain

So, how does an injection help diagnose your pain? The magic is in the immediate-acting local anesthetic that’s part of the injection. If you experience significant pain relief right after the procedure, even if it only lasts for a few hours, that’s a clear sign that the doctor has targeted the correct pain-generating joint. This confirmation is incredibly valuable. It tells your pain management specialist that they’re on the right track and allows them to create a personalized treatment plan, which might include follow-up injections or other procedures like radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief. This diagnostic precision helps avoid guesswork and ensures your care is focused directly on the source of the problem.

Could This Treatment Be Right for You?

This treatment is often recommended for individuals experiencing chronic neck pain that hasn’t improved with more conservative methods like physical therapy or oral medications. If your pain is caused by inflammation in the facet joints, you could be an excellent candidate. This inflammation can stem from several conditions, including osteoarthritis (the “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis), a past injury like whiplash from a car accident, or degenerative changes in the spine. If you have localized pain in your neck that sometimes radiates to your shoulders or head and worsens when you turn or extend your neck, a cervical facet injection might be a great next step to discuss with your pain specialist.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for This Injection?

While cervical facet injections are a fantastic option for many, they aren’t the right fit for everyone. The key is ensuring the treatment matches the source of your pain. For instance, if your pain is primarily from nerve compression that travels down your arm but you don’t have significant neck pain, this injection might not be the most effective approach. It’s specifically designed for pain originating in the facet joints themselves. Additionally, certain medical conditions can make the procedure inadvisable. This includes having an active infection, a known allergy to the anesthetic or steroid medications used, or certain bleeding disorders. A thorough consultation with a pain specialist is the best way to determine if this is the right path for you, as they will review your full medical history to ensure your safety and the treatment’s effectiveness.

Other Uses and Insurance Considerations

It’s helpful to know that these injections serve two important purposes: diagnostic and therapeutic. As a diagnostic tool, the immediate relief from the anesthetic helps your doctor confirm that the facet joints are the true source of your pain. As a therapeutic treatment, the steroid provides longer-lasting relief from inflammation. Because of this dual role, insurance coverage can sometimes vary. Most insurance plans cover facet injections when they are deemed medically necessary, but it’s always a good idea to check with your provider beforehand to understand your specific coverage. Our team is also here to help you with any questions you might have about the process, so you can focus on your path to feeling better.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Cervical Facet Injection

Knowing what will happen on the day of your procedure can help ease any nerves you might have. A cervical facet injection is a straightforward and common treatment for neck pain, and our team at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists is focused on making your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. From the moment you arrive, we’ll walk you through every step. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the process looks like from start to finish, covering how to prepare, what happens during the injection, and what to expect right after.

Your Pre-Injection Checklist

Your preparation for the injection is simple. We will provide you with a detailed set of instructions, but a common guideline is to avoid eating for several hours before your appointment. This is a standard safety measure for many medical procedures. The most important thing you’ll need to do is arrange for someone to drive you home. Even though this is a minimally invasive treatment, you won’t be able to drive yourself afterward. You can find more information and forms to help you get ready by visiting our patient center online before your visit.

What Happens During the Injection?

Once you’re settled in the procedure room, our first step is to make you comfortable. We’ll clean the skin on your neck and then apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. You might feel a tiny pinch, but the numbing medicine works quickly. Dr. Nair will then use X-ray guidance, called fluoroscopy, to precisely guide a very thin needle to the targeted facet joint. This technology ensures the medication is delivered exactly where it’s needed. A mix of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid medication is then injected into the joint. The entire cervical facet joint injection process usually takes just a few minutes.

What Does the Injection Feel Like?

It’s natural to feel a little nervous about what the injection itself will feel like, but knowing what to expect can make a big difference. The first thing you’ll feel is a brief pinch or sting from the local anesthetic used to numb your skin. Once the area is numb, you shouldn’t feel sharp pain during the procedure. Instead, most people describe a feeling of pressure as the medication is injected into the facet joint. Our team will talk you through every step as it happens, ensuring you are as comfortable as possible. The entire process is very quick, and this part is over in just a few moments.

Immediately after the injection, the numbing medication provides some initial pain relief, which is a great sign that we’ve targeted the correct source of your discomfort. It’s completely normal to experience some mild soreness or tenderness in your neck for a day or two where the needle was inserted. This is temporary and can usually be managed with an ice pack. The long-term relief you’re looking for comes from the steroid, which needs a little time to work its magic. You can typically expect to feel its full anti-inflammatory effects within three to seven days, helping you get back to your life with significantly less neck pain.

What to Do Right After Your Procedure

Right after the injection, we’ll have you rest in a recovery area for a short observation period, typically about 20 to 30 minutes. Our medical team will monitor you to make sure you’re feeling well before you head home. It’s normal to feel some numbness in your neck or arm for a few hours because of the local anesthetic. Some patients experience immediate pain relief, while for others, it may take a few days for the steroid to take full effect. We will give you post-procedure instructions to follow at home, and then your designated driver can take you home to rest.

Understanding the Effectiveness of Cervical Facet Injections

One of the biggest questions on your mind is likely, “Will this actually work for me?” It’s a fair question, and the answer depends on whether your facet joints are the true source of your pain. That’s the beauty of this procedure—it’s designed to give you a clear answer. A cervical facet injection is both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic treatment. It helps confirm the root cause of your discomfort while delivering medication to relieve it. This clarity is a huge step forward in creating an effective, long-term pain management plan.

Success Rates and Treatment Frequency

These injections are a safe and effective way to diagnose and treat pain from the facet joints. Success is often immediate from a diagnostic view—if the anesthetic provides temporary relief, it confirms we’ve found the right spot. As a treatment, the steroid can offer significant, longer-lasting relief from inflammation for several months. If the injection works well, it can be repeated. For those who get good but shorter-term relief, it confirms the pain source and opens the door to longer-lasting treatments like radiofrequency ablation for more durable results.

Timeline for Pain Relief

It’s helpful to know what to expect after your injection. The procedure uses two medications on different schedules. The local anesthetic provides immediate numbing, but this effect is temporary and wears off within a few hours. The second medication, a corticosteroid, is the long-acting anti-inflammatory that typically takes three to seven days to take full effect. It’s normal to feel a temporary return of your usual neck pain during this gap. Once the steroid kicks in, you can experience pain relief that lasts for several months.

Tracking Your Results with a Pain Diary

Your feedback after the procedure is incredibly valuable. We recommend keeping a simple pain diary for the first week or two to track how well the injection worked. A notebook or a note on your phone is perfect. Note your pain levels during activities that usually cause discomfort, like turning your head. This information gives your doctor a clear picture of your progress and helps determine the best next steps for your care. Our team will follow up, but having your own notes makes that conversation even more productive and tailored to you.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects?

It’s completely normal to have questions about what to expect after a cervical facet joint injection. The good news is that most side effects are mild and don’t last long. Think of it like the temporary discomfort you might feel after a flu shot—your body is just reacting to the procedure. Knowing what’s common can help you feel prepared and confident in your recovery. We’ll walk through the typical reactions you might experience, from localized soreness to a brief uptick in your usual pain, so you know exactly what to look for.

Why You Might Feel Sore or Swollen

One of the most common things you’ll notice is some tenderness right where the injection was given. You might feel a bit of soreness, swelling, or even numbness at the site. It’s also possible to see some minor bruising or a tiny amount of bleeding. This is your body’s natural response to the needle and the medication. An ice pack can be your best friend for the first day or so to help manage any swelling and soothe the area. This discomfort is usually very manageable and is the first sign that your body is beginning its healing process.

Will My Pain Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

This might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes your neck pain can feel a little worse for a day or two after the injection. Here’s why: the procedure involves both a local anesthetic (for immediate numbing) and a steroid (for long-term relief). The numbing medicine wears off after a few hours, but the steroid can take a couple of days to fully kick in and reduce inflammation. That small gap can lead to a temporary flare-up of your symptoms. It’s a common part of the process, so try not to worry if you experience it.

Can the Injection Affect Your Mood or Sleep?

The steroid medication used in the injection can sometimes cause temporary, body-wide effects. You might feel a bit anxious, irritable, or have some trouble falling asleep for a night or two. Some people also experience facial flushing or a feeling of warmth. These effects happen as your body processes the corticosteroid, and they aren’t a cause for alarm. They are simply a known reaction to the medication and typically fade quickly as the steroid settles into the targeted joint to do its work.

Risks Associated with Multiple Injections

While a single cervical facet injection is a very safe procedure, it’s smart to discuss the potential risks if you and your doctor are considering a series of treatments. The main thing to be aware of is the corticosteroid medication. While it’s fantastic for reducing inflammation, repeated exposure can increase the risk of certain side effects. This is why pain management specialists are very intentional about the timing and frequency of injections. They work to find the right balance that gives you maximum relief with minimal risk, creating a personalized plan based on your specific needs and response to the initial treatment.

Common reactions like temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site can sometimes feel more pronounced with subsequent procedures. More importantly, repeated steroid use can have systemic effects, which is why it’s crucial that your doctor knows your complete health history, especially conditions like diabetes or heart issues. At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, our approach is always tailored to you. We carefully weigh the benefits against any potential risks, ensuring that every step of your pain management plan is safe and effective for your long-term well-being.

How Long Do These Side Effects Usually Last?

For the vast majority of patients, these common side effects are short-lived. You can expect any soreness, temporary pain increase, or mood changes to resolve within a few days, often in just 24 to 48 hours. Your body is quick to adapt, and as the steroid begins to reduce inflammation, these initial reactions will subside. If your discomfort continues or feels severe, it’s always best to reach out to our office. We want to ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Serious (But Rare) Risks to Know About

While cervical facet injections are considered a safe and effective way to manage neck pain, it’s completely normal to want to understand the full picture. Like any medical procedure, there are a few more serious, though very uncommon, risks involved. Being aware of these possibilities helps you make an informed decision and know what to look for after your treatment.

Our goal is always your safety and well-being. We take every precaution to minimize these risks, but transparency is a key part of the care we provide. Let’s walk through these potential complications together so you can feel confident and prepared. Remember, these events are rare, especially when your procedure is performed by an experienced pain management specialist who uses advanced imaging to guide the treatment.

The Risk of Nerve or Spinal Cord Damage

One of the most significant concerns with any procedure near the spine is the potential for nerve or spinal cord damage. In extremely rare cases, an injection could lead to nerve injury. This is precisely why choosing a specialist with extensive experience and a deep understanding of spinal anatomy is so important. Using fluoroscopy (a type of live X-ray) for guidance allows your doctor to see exactly where the needle is, ensuring it’s placed with precision and care to avoid sensitive structures. Our team is highly trained in these techniques to make your procedure as safe as possible.

Understanding the Risk of Infection or Bleeding

Any time the skin is punctured, there’s a small risk of introducing bacteria and causing an infection. We follow strict sterile protocols—cleaning the skin thoroughly and using sterilized, single-use equipment—to keep this risk incredibly low. You might also notice some minor bleeding or bruising at the injection site, which is usually harmless. However, excessive bleeding can be a concern, especially if you take blood-thinning medication. It’s crucial to discuss all your medications with us before your procedure so we can take the right precautions for your specific needs.

What About Allergic Reactions?

Although uncommon, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to one of the substances used during the injection. This could be a reaction to the local anesthetic, the steroid medication, or, most commonly, the contrast dye used with the X-ray guidance. Before your procedure, we’ll have a detailed conversation about your medical history, including any known allergies. This helps our medical team select the safest options for you. If you’ve ever had a reaction to contrast dye or any other medication, please be sure to let us know.

How to Manage Side Effects After Your Injection

Feeling a little sore or uncertain after a procedure is completely normal. The good news is that managing the side effects of a cervical facet injection is usually straightforward. Your body just needs a little time to adjust and let the medication begin its work. Taking a few simple, proactive steps can make your recovery smoother and more comfortable. Think of it as giving yourself the best possible chance for the treatment to succeed. Below are some practical tips to help you feel your best in the days following your injection.

Caring for Yourself in the First 24 Hours

Right after your procedure, the injection area will be numb from the local anesthetic. This is for your immediate comfort, but it will wear off within a few hours. As it does, you might start to feel some soreness or tenderness right at the injection site—this is a very common response. The best thing you can do is take it easy for the rest of the day. Plan for a quiet evening, avoid any demanding activities, and let your body rest. This initial period of soreness typically only lasts for a day or two as your body adjusts.

Bathing and Heat Application

When it comes to keeping the injection site clean, the instructions are simple. You can shower, but you should avoid soaking in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool for the first 24 hours after your procedure. This precaution helps minimize the risk of infection at the small puncture site while it heals. For the first day or two, you might find that applying an ice pack to the sore area provides some relief from swelling and tenderness. Just be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin towel to protect your skin, and only apply it for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

Diet and Activity Levels

You can eat and drink normally both before and after your injection—there are no specific dietary restrictions to worry about. The most important thing to focus on is your activity level. For the remainder of the day after your procedure, your main job is to rest. This means avoiding any strenuous activities like heavy lifting, intense exercise, or demanding household chores. Giving your body this time to relax allows the initial soreness to subside and provides the best environment for the anti-inflammatory medication to begin its work. Listening to your body and taking it easy is a key part of a successful recovery from your cervical facet joint injection.

When to Use Ice and Take It Easy

If you’re feeling sore, one of the simplest and most effective remedies is an ice pack. Apply a cold pack to the tender area for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time, a few times throughout the day. Just be sure to place a thin towel or cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent irritation. In addition to icing, it’s wise to modify your activities. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours. Listening to your body is key to managing neck pain and ensuring a smooth recovery.

If You Have Diabetes, Read This

If you have diabetes, it’s important to be a little extra vigilant after your injection. The steroid medication used in the procedure can cause a temporary increase in your blood sugar levels. This effect is usually mild and doesn’t last long, but it’s something to be aware of. Please monitor your blood sugar closely for the first 24 to 48 hours after your appointment. If you notice any significant or concerning changes, don’t hesitate to contact your primary care physician or endocrinologist. Keeping them in the loop is an important part of your overall care.

Simple Tips to Manage Post-Injection Discomfort

Beyond some localized soreness, it’s also normal to feel a bit tired after your injection. Your body is processing the procedure, so give yourself permission to rest. You might also notice minor swelling or even a small bruise at the injection site. These are typical responses and should fade within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful, but be sure to follow the specific instructions our team provides. You can find more information and resources in our Patient Center. Remember, these feelings are temporary, and your comfort is our priority.

What Factors Can Increase Your Risk of Side Effects?

While cervical facet injections are a safe and effective treatment for many people dealing with neck pain, it’s helpful to know that certain factors can influence your individual experience. Your unique health profile, the medications you take, and even your specific anatomy can play a role. Being open and thorough with your doctor is the best way to ensure your treatment plan is tailored perfectly to you. A detailed conversation about your health history allows us to take every precaution, making your procedure as smooth and successful as possible.

How Your Medical History Plays a Role

Your overall health is a key factor in how your body responds to a cervical facet injection. Pre-existing conditions can sometimes increase the risk of side effects from the steroid medication used in the injection. For example, if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, the steroid can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Conditions that affect your immune system or bone density are also important to discuss. Sharing your complete medical history helps your doctor customize your pain management treatment and decide on the appropriate dosage to minimize any potential risks.

Why Your Current Medications Matter

It is absolutely essential to tell your doctor about every medication you are taking before your procedure. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and even vitamins or herbal supplements. Medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin, warfarin, or certain anti-inflammatories, can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on which medications you may need to pause before your appointment. Providing a complete list ensures your safety and helps prevent any complications, making your visit to our patient center a positive one.

Does Your Unique Anatomy Affect Risk?

Everyone’s body is unique, and the complex structure of your neck is no exception. The cervical spine contains a dense network of nerves, blood vessels, and delicate joints. Because of these individual anatomical variations, there is a very small risk of the needle irritating a nerve or damaging a nearby artery. This is precisely why these injections are performed by highly trained specialists who use advanced imaging, like fluoroscopy (a type of live X-ray), to guide the needle with extreme precision. This technology allows us to perform the cervical facet joint injection safely and accurately, targeting the exact source of your pain.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

Your recovery is our top priority, and that includes knowing what to expect after your procedure. While most side effects are mild and resolve on their own, it’s important to listen to your body. Knowing when a symptom is normal and when it’s time to reach out for help gives you control over your healing process. Think of this as your guide for post-injection care. We’re always here to support you, so never hesitate to get in touch if you have concerns.

Red Flags: Key Warning Signs to Watch For

After your injection, you’ll receive specific post-procedure instructions from our team. It’s a good idea to keep these handy. Generally, you should call us if you experience any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning to you. This could include persistent numbness or weakness that doesn’t improve, a severe headache, or dizziness. While rare, these symptoms are worth discussing with your doctor. Our Patient Center is also a great resource for general information and forms you might need as you prepare for your follow-up care. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, a quick phone call can provide clarity and peace of mind.

What to Do If Your Pain Worsens

It might seem counterintuitive, but it’s fairly common for your pain to temporarily increase a day or two after the injection. This often happens as the local anesthetic wears off and before the steroid medication begins to take full effect. This “flare-up” is usually mild and should start to subside within a few days. However, if your pain becomes severe or doesn’t start improving after three to four days, it’s time to give us a call. We can help determine if what you’re feeling is a normal part of the healing process for a cervical facet joint injection or if it requires further attention.

How to Spot the Signs of an Infection

While we take every precaution to ensure a sterile procedure, any injection carries a small risk of infection. Knowing the signs is key to catching it early. Please contact our office right away if you notice any of the following symptoms at or near the injection site:

• Increased redness or swelling
• Warmth to the touch
• Pus or drainage from the site
• A fever or chills

These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. Don’t wait to see if they get better on their own. You can find our office numbers on the contact page to reach us during business hours.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some symptoms are true medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• Loss of control over your bladder or bowels
• Inability to move an arm or a leg
• Severe trouble breathing
• Loss of consciousness (passing out)

These are extremely rare complications, but they are serious. In these situations, seeking emergency care is the most important step you can take to protect your health. Your safety is always the primary concern, so don’t hesitate to act quickly if you experience any of these critical symptoms.

Debunking Myths About Injection Side Effects

When you’re considering any medical procedure, it’s easy to come across conflicting information. Separating fact from fiction is a key part of making an informed decision about your health. Let’s clear up a few common myths about cervical facet injections so you can feel more confident about your treatment plan. Understanding what to realistically expect helps ensure you and your doctor are on the same page from the very beginning.

Myth vs. Fact: Is Pain Relief Instant?

It’s a common hope that you’ll walk out of the clinic feeling immediate and lasting relief, but that’s not usually how these injections work. A cervical facet joint injection contains a local anesthetic that often provides quick, temporary numbness. This initial relief might last for a few hours. The long-term relief comes from the steroid in the injection, which needs time to reduce inflammation. Most people begin to feel the effects of the steroid within two to five days, though everyone’s body responds differently. Patience is key during this initial period as the medication starts to work.

Myth vs. Fact: Are Complications Impossible?

While it’s true that serious complications are very rare, no procedure is entirely without risk. The idea that nothing could possibly go wrong is a myth. Because these injections are performed near the spinal cord, there is a very small chance of issues like nerve damage or infection. Our specialists use advanced imaging guidance and sterile techniques to make the procedure as safe as possible. We believe it’s important for you to be aware of all potential outcomes, even the unlikely ones, so you can have an open conversation about any concerns with your pain management doctor.

Myth vs. Fact: Is the Injection 100% Risk-Free?

Building on the last point, it’s important to understand that every medical treatment carries some level of risk. For cervical facet injections, potential risks can include bleeding, allergic reactions to the medication, or a temporary increase in pain. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. Discussing your full medical history with your doctor is the best way to understand your personal risk factors. This allows us to tailor our approach and ensure you are a good candidate for the wide range of treatments and procedures we offer for neck and back pain.

Next Steps: What if the Pain Returns?

It can be disheartening when the relief from your injection starts to fade. But here’s the important thing to remember: even temporary relief provides a crucial piece of the puzzle. A cervical facet injection has a dual role. It’s therapeutic, aiming to reduce your pain, but it’s also a powerful diagnostic tool. If the injection significantly reduced your pain, even for a short time, it confirms that we’ve correctly identified the facet joints as the source of your discomfort. This is a huge step forward. It tells us exactly where to focus our efforts for a more lasting solution.

The duration of relief from a steroid injection varies from person to person. Some people enjoy months of comfort, while for others, the benefit might only last a few weeks. This isn’t a sign of failure; it’s simply information that helps us refine your treatment plan. Knowing that the facet joints are the problem allows us to move on to the next phase of care, which often involves treatments designed to provide more durable, long-term relief from your neck pain. This positive diagnostic result opens the door to other highly effective, minimally invasive options.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Longer-Lasting Relief

If your facet injection gave you good relief, you might be an excellent candidate for a procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Think of it as a way to press the “pause” button on the pain signals coming from those specific joints. The procedure targets the tiny medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from the inflamed facet joint to your brain. Using heat generated by a radiofrequency current, your doctor can interrupt these signals, effectively stopping the pain at its source. Because the diagnostic injection confirmed which nerves are causing the problem, RFA can be performed with remarkable precision.

The primary benefit of RFA is its durability. While a steroid injection reduces inflammation, RFA provides a much longer period of pain relief—often lasting for many months or even more than a year. The procedure itself is minimally invasive, much like the injection you already had. For many patients who experience recurring neck pain, radiofrequency treatment is a logical and highly effective next step that can help them reclaim their quality of life and get back to the activities they love with lasting comfort.

Your KPS Injection: How to Get Ready

Feeling prepared for your procedure can make all the difference. We want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way as you get ready for your cervical facet joint injection. Knowing what to expect helps ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Below, we’ve outlined a few key guidelines to follow before your appointment and some helpful questions to discuss with your doctor. Think of this as your simple checklist to help you get ready for a successful treatment.

What We Ask You to Do Before Your Visit

To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the injection, we have a few standard guidelines. First, we will ask you not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. It’s also crucial to discuss your current medications with us; your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking blood thinners or other specific drugs for a few days beforehand. Finally, because you might receive a mild sedative to help you relax, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Please make sure you have a friend or family member who can provide transportation after your appointment.

Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor

We believe the best patient is an informed patient, so we encourage you to ask any questions you have. No question is too small when it comes to your health and peace of mind. Consider asking our team the following during your consultation:

• What are the specific benefits and potential risks of this injection for my condition?
• What are the most common side effects I should expect, and how long do they usually last?
• Are there any long-term considerations I should be aware of if I need repeated injections in the future?
• What are my other treatment options?

Having this conversation helps ensure you are comfortable and confident in your personalized care plan.

Related Articles

• Cervical Facet Joint Injection | Neck Pain Relief Options
• Cervical Spine Pain: Is Facet Syndrome the Cause?
• What Is Cervical Facet Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes, Treatments – Kentuckiana Pain Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I expect the relief to last? This is a great question, and the answer really varies from person to person. The initial relief you feel from the local anesthetic will wear off within a few hours. The long-term relief from the steroid can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. For many, the injection provides a valuable window of comfort that allows them to make progress in physical therapy and strengthen the muscles supporting their neck, which can lead to more lasting results.

Is the injection itself painful? Most people are pleasantly surprised that the procedure is more comfortable than they imagined. We numb the skin with a local anesthetic before starting, so you’ll likely only feel a small pinch at first. After that, you might feel a sense of pressure as the medication is injected, but it shouldn’t be sharply painful. It’s very common to have some soreness at the injection site for a day or two afterward, similar to how your arm might feel after a shot.

When can I return to my normal activities, like work? We strongly recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day after your procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and resting is the best thing you can do. Most people feel ready to return to work and light activities the following day. However, we do ask that you avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 to 48 hours to give the medication time to work and your body time to recover.

Will I need more than one injection? Whether you need additional injections depends entirely on your individual response to the first one. Some people find significant, lasting relief after just one treatment. For others, a small series of injections may be recommended to achieve the best outcome. We will monitor your progress closely and discuss the next steps with you as part of your personalized pain management plan.

Does this injection cure the problem in my neck? A cervical facet injection is a powerful tool for managing pain, but it isn’t a cure for the underlying cause, such as arthritis or degenerative changes. The goal of the injection is to reduce inflammation in the facet joint, which in turn reduces your pain. This relief can significantly improve your quality of life and make it possible for you to engage in other treatments, like physical therapy, that address the root of the problem more directly.