What is this procedure?
This block targets medial branch nerves, rather than injecting directly into the facet joint.
When might it be considered?
Suspected facet-related neck, mid-back or lower-back pain after an individual evaluation. Your physician will determine whether this approach is appropriate and discuss alternatives, including non-procedural care.
What to expect
Imaging guides the injection. The team may ask you to record pain during usual safe activities while the anesthetic works. Your clinician reviews your history, medications, allergies, and any relevant tests. The team explains the procedure and obtains your consent. Positioning, skin preparation, local numbing, and imaging guidance may be part of the visit, depending on the procedure.
Tell your care team about pregnancy, infection, medication allergies, or blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change medicines without instructions from the clinician managing them.
Potential benefits
Temporary relief can help assess whether the facet joints contribute to pain and inform subsequent decisions. Benefit and duration vary; some patients experience little or no improvement. An injection is one possible part of a broader care plan.
Possible risks & side effects
Soreness, bleeding, infection, allergy or unintended numbness can occur. Rare nerve injury is possible; thoracic procedures may also carry a risk of lung puncture.
This is not a complete list of risks. Your physician should explain the options, limitations, and consent information specific to your planned procedure.
Recovery & follow-up
Follow the pain-diary instructions and return the results. Relief from a diagnostic block is expected to be temporary. Observation and activity instructions depend on the procedure, medication, and your response. Ask whether you need a driver and when you can return to usual activities. Follow your own discharge instructions rather than a general online timeline.
Contact your care team about unexpected or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or new significant weakness.
Common questions
Does a short period of relief mean it failed?
Not necessarily. A diagnostic block is intended to assess the response during the local anesthetic's effect, rather than provide lasting treatment.
Will this procedure relieve my pain?
It may help selected patients, but improvement is not guaranteed. Your physician will discuss realistic goals based on the suspected source of your pain.
Will I need more than one injection?
The need for further treatment depends on your response, the diagnosis, and safety considerations. There is no automatic course of injections that suits everyone.
How should I prepare?
Ask the team for your specific instructions, including medicines, food and drink, transportation, and what to bring. Do not change your medicines based on this page.
Is this available at Columbia Pain Management?
Contact the office to discuss eligibility and scheduling. Your physician will assess whether a procedure is appropriate for you.
Patient education reference: guysandstthomas.nhs.uk — patient education.