Facet Joint Injections
Advanced, Targeted Relief for Persistent Neck & Back Pain
Take the First Step Towards Better Movement
Our experienced physiotherapists are here to help you improve mobility, regain strength, and move with greater comfort and confidence.
Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae that help support spinal movement and stability. When these joints become irritated or painful, they may contribute to persistent neck, mid-back, or lower back pain. At Pure Physio, treatment is guided by a proper clinical assessment, with injections performed by appropriately qualified medical professionals and rehabilitation support provided based on individual recovery needs.
What Is It?
Targeted Spinal Pain Management: Facet Joint Injections involve delivering medication directly into or around a painful facet joint to help manage inflammation and pain in suitable patients.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedure: In some cases, facet joint injections may help identify whether a specific facet joint is contributing to a patient’s pain. They may also be used therapeutically to help manage symptoms.
Image-Guided Precision: Depending on the procedure and clinical requirements, imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy, CT, or other appropriate methods may be used to assist with accurate needle placement.
Medication-Based Treatment: The type of medication used depends on the clinical purpose and the treating specialist’s assessment. It may include a local anaesthetic and, in some cases, an anti-inflammatory medication.
Part of a Comprehensive Care Plan: Facet Joint Injections may be combined with physiotherapy, mobility exercises, posture correction, strengthening, and rehabilitation to support improved movement and long-term spinal function.
Conditions We Treat
Facet Joint Pain: Facet Joint Injections may be considered when a clinical assessment identifies one or more facet joints as a possible source of persistent spinal pain.
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Persistent lower back pain associated with certain facet joint problems may be evaluated for targeted injection treatment when appropriate.
Chronic Neck Pain: Pain and stiffness arising from facet joints in the cervical spine may contribute to long-standing neck discomfort and reduced movement.
Mid-Back Pain: Certain cases of persistent thoracic spine pain may involve facet joint structures and require appropriate medical assessment.
Spinal Arthritis: Degenerative changes affecting the facet joints may contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Injection treatment may be considered for suitable patients as part of an overall pain management plan.
Pain During Spinal Movement: Pain that worsens during bending, twisting, extending, or turning may be associated with facet joint irritation in some cases and should be properly assessed.
Persistent Spinal Pain: Patients with ongoing neck or back pain that has not improved adequately with appropriate conservative treatment may require further evaluation to identify the possible pain source.
Symptoms
Localised Neck or Back Pain: Pain concentrated in a specific area of the neck, mid-back, or lower back may indicate the need for a detailed assessment of the spine and surrounding structures.
Pain During Bending or Twisting: Discomfort that increases while bending backward, twisting, turning, or changing position may be associated with certain spinal conditions.
Spinal Stiffness: Persistent stiffness that makes it difficult to turn the neck, bend the back, or move comfortably may affect daily activities and physical function.
Pain After Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Some people experience increased spinal discomfort after remaining in one position for a long period.
Pain During Daily Activities: Difficulty walking, standing, working, lifting, driving, or performing everyday movements because of neck or back pain may require professional assessment.
Recurring Neck or Back Pain: Pain that repeatedly returns despite rest or previous treatment may indicate an underlying problem requiring further evaluation.
Reduced Mobility: Pain and stiffness may reduce normal spinal movement and make it difficult to bend, twist, reach, or perform routine activities comfortably.
Our Process
Initial Assessment: The process begins with a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, pain pattern, previous treatments, physical limitations, and relevant investigations.
Clinical Evaluation: A qualified medical professional evaluates whether the facet joints may be contributing to your pain. Additional imaging or diagnostic procedures may be recommended where appropriate.
Personalised Treatment Planning: If a Facet Joint Injection is considered suitable, the treatment is planned according to the affected spinal region, suspected pain source, symptoms, and individual clinical requirements.
Preparation for the Procedure: The treatment area is prepared using appropriate clinical and safety protocols, and you are positioned according to the spinal area being treated.
Image-Guided Injection: A qualified medical professional carefully places the needle into or around the targeted facet joint using appropriate imaging guidance where required and administers the selected medication.
Monitoring and Aftercare: Following the procedure, the patient is monitored as appropriate and receives aftercare instructions based on the procedure and individual clinical needs.
Rehabilitation and Follow-Up: Physiotherapy, mobility exercises, posture correction, strengthening, and rehabilitation may be recommended to help improve movement and support long-term spinal function.
Benefits
Targeted Pain Management: Facet Joint Injections focus treatment on specific facet joints identified as possible contributors to a patient’s spinal pain.
May Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation: Depending on the medication used and underlying condition, the injection may help manage pain and inflammation in suitable patients.
Can Support Diagnosis: Certain injections may provide diagnostic information by helping determine whether a specific facet joint is contributing to the patient’s symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Procedure: Facet Joint Injections may be considered as a minimally invasive option for suitable patients requiring targeted pain management.
May Improve Daily Comfort: Reduced pain may help patients sit, stand, walk, work, and perform daily activities more comfortably.
Supports Better Mobility: Pain management combined with physiotherapy may help patients work towards improved spinal movement and functional mobility.
Helps Support Rehabilitation: Reducing pain may help suitable patients participate more effectively in physiotherapy, strengthening, posture correction, and exercise programmes.
Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan: Facet Joint Injections may be combined with other appropriate medical and physiotherapy treatments based on the patient’s condition and recovery goals.
Why Choose Pure Physio?
Detailed Individual Assessment: At Pure Physio, we begin by understanding your symptoms, pain pattern, movement limitations, and treatment history before helping guide you towards an appropriate care pathway.
Personalised Care Approach: Every patient’s spinal pain is different. Our approach focuses on individual assessment and treatment planning based on your symptoms and recovery needs.
Qualified Professional Care: Facet Joint Injections are performed by appropriately qualified medical professionals using suitable clinical techniques and safety protocols.
Integrated Pain Management: Where appropriate, we combine medical pain management procedures with physiotherapy, mobility training, posture correction, strengthening, and rehabilitation.
Focus on Functional Recovery: Our goal extends beyond temporary pain management by helping patients work towards better mobility, strength, movement confidence, and everyday function.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Following appropriate treatment, physiotherapy programmes may be tailored to address stiffness, weakness, movement limitations, and individual recovery goals.
Ongoing Recovery Support: We support patients throughout their rehabilitation journey, monitoring progress and helping them work towards improved spinal movement and long-term physical function.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
Don’t let pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility affect your daily life. Get personalised physiotherapy care designed around your condition and recovery goals.