Overview
Facet joint injections deliver anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the small joints of the spine to reduce pain and inflammation. The injection also serves as a diagnostic tool — confirming which joints are generating pain.
When the injection provides meaningful but temporary relief, a follow-up radiofrequency rhizotomy can extend that relief. Rhizotomy uses controlled heat energy to disrupt the medial branch nerves transmitting pain signals from the facet joints, often providing months of durable relief.
Conditions Treated
What to Expect
The initial facet injection is placed under image guidance directly into the affected joints. If the injection confirms facet-mediated pain with temporary relief, a follow-up radiofrequency rhizotomy targets the responsible nerves for longer-lasting results.