The facet joints in the spine connect the vertebrae and allow for necessary movement. In the cervical spine, the facet joints can be damaged from repeated neck movements, injuries and degenerative disease. A cervical facet injection may be recommended as an interventional pain treatment for neck pain caused by facet joints. At DOCS Health, we offer cervical facet treatments at our clinic in Los Angeles.

The small facet joints in the cervical spine can be affected by mechanical stress, arthritis, injury damage and other issues that cause inflammation. The nerve roots surrounding the facet joints can be irritated, causing neck and radiating pain into the shoulders or head. Some patients with cervical facet pain conditions may experience headaches, reduced neck mobility and cervical radiculopathy. Cervical facet steroid injections can relieve inflammation and pain directly at the source.

Facet Joint Injections

Cervical facet injections can serve two purposes. Injection of numbing medication into the facet joint can determine if the joint is the cause of pain and other symptoms. If the pain is reduced, the facet injection serves as a diagnostic tool to pinpoint the source of pain. Second, facet injections can deliver steroid medication to relieve inflammation and pain.

At DOCS Health, we utilize image-guided injections to perform cervical facet injections safely and precisely. The procedure can be performed at our state-of-the-art medical center by one of our experienced orthopedic or spine physicians. Steroid injections take a few days to relieve inflammation. Once the initial anesthetic wears off, pain may return until the steroid takes effect in 2-5 days. Cervical facet injections may offer relief for months after the treatment.

Steroid injections are minimally invasive and do not require extensive downtime. Most patients can return to normal activities the next day after their procedure.

If you have neck or shoulder pain caused by arthritis or damage to the facet joints in your cervical spine, cervical facet injections may offer relief. To schedule a consultation and exam for diagnosis or treatment of neck pain, contact our medical team at DOCS Health in Los Angeles, CA.