Reduce Inflammation. Improve Movement.
Targeted Relief at the Cervical Joint Level
Chronic neck pain can significantly limit daily activities, sleep quality, and overall function. A cervical facet injection is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat inflammation within the small joints of the neck known as facet joints. At Premier Pain Management Arizona, cervical facet injections are performed using advanced imaging guidance to accurately target the source of pain.
Cervical Facet Injection Phoenix, AZ
What Is a Cervical Facet Injection?
A cervical facet injection is a targeted procedure that delivers medication directly into one or more inflamed facet joints in the neck (cervical spine). These joints, located at the back of each vertebra, guide spinal motion and help stabilize the neck. Over time, arthritis, injury, or repetitive strain can cause these joints to become irritated, leading to localized neck pain or referred pain into the shoulders and upper back.
The injection typically contains:
- A corticosteroid to reduce joint inflammation
- A local anesthetic to provide immediate, short-term relief
The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to ensure precise placement within the joint capsule. In some cases, contrast dye is used to confirm accurate positioning before medication is delivered.
Cervical facet injections may serve both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. If pain improves significantly following the injection, it helps confirm that the facet joints are contributing to your symptoms.
Our Collaborative Care Model
At Premier Pain Management Arizona, cervical facet injections are integrated into a carefully coordinated treatment pathway rather than used as a standalone solution.
Our evaluation process includes:
- Comprehensive review of neck pain history and symptoms
- Physical examination assessing range of motion and joint loading patterns
- Imaging studies when indicated
- Consideration of related muscular or nerve involvement
If cervical facet inflammation is confirmed, injections are paired with a broader management strategy that may include rehabilitation, posture correction, and additional interventional procedures when clinically appropriate.
How Does Cervical Facet Injection Complement Interventional Care?
Cervical facet injections are often part of a broader strategy to manage chronic spinal pain. When used appropriately, they can:
- Reduce inflammation inside the irritated joint
- Support healing by decreasing mechanical stress and pain
- Improve outcomes by allowing greater participation in physical therapy
By calming joint inflammation, the injection can create a window of reduced pain. This period allows patients to strengthen supporting muscles, improve posture, and restore cervical mobility.
If relief is temporary but significant, additional treatments, such as medial branch blocks or radiofrequency ablation, may be considered to extend results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful if a cervical facet joint is injured?
If a facet joint is injured, either the cartilage inside or just the connection ligaments around the joint is damaged. So, the pain can either be mild, akin to muscle tension, or quite painful depending on the severity of your injury and which facet is affected. You may feel cervical facet pain anywhere from the lower shoulder blade up to the head.
How will you know if you are experiencing cervical facet joint pain?
You’ll know that you are suffering from cervical facet pain if you experience pain in one or more areas when you turn your neck or head, and the pain continues for more than two months. Standard tests like MRIs and x-rays won’t always let you know if a cervical facet joint is the one causing the pain, though.
What can I expect during treatment?
After receiving an injection, you will be closely monitored for about 30 minutes. The staff will give you aftercare instructions, as well as a pain diary, when you are ready to be discharged. It’s vital that you follow the instructions carefully if you want to recover faster. Also, don’t forget to jot down any pains and aches you are experiencing on the diary provided, as this will help your doctor determine how well the injection is working. You can carefully try to move or tilt your neck just to see if the pain is still there, but don’t overdo it.
You’ll know that the injection is working if you feel immediate numbness in the neck, and pain relief for a certain period of time following the injection. The pain could return, maybe even worse, for about one or two days after this pain-free period. It’s possible that you are experiencing some irritation from the needle, or the corticosteroid itself is causing this pain. It normally takes two to three days for the corticosteroids to work but can also take as long as one week. Most people are able to return to work only a day after the procedure. However, consult with your doctor before returning to your daily activities.
How long will pain relief last?
Every patient’s case is unique, so the duration and extent of pain relief may also vary depending on the number of areas involved and the severity of the inflammation. It’s also possible that other coexisting factors are responsible for the pain. An injection may bring several weeks or even months of pain relief before more treatments are needed. However, there are also times when only one injection is needed for long-term pain relief, especially if you have no underlying joint or bone problems. If you are injured in more than one area, an injection may only help with some of the symptoms you are experiencing.
You’ll know that the injection is working if you feel immediate numbness in the neck, and pain relief for a certain period of time following the injection. The pain could return, maybe even worse, for about one or two days after this pain-free period. It’s possible that you are experiencing some irritation from the needle, or the corticosteroid itself is causing this pain. It normally takes two to three days for the corticosteroids to work but can also take as long as one week. Most people are able to return to work only a day after the procedure. However, consult with your doctor before returning to your daily activities.
How many facet joint injections can I receive?
There is no single set limit, but most pain doctors recommend no more than three to four corticosteroid injections per joint per year. This spacing gives the medicine time to work without putting too much steroid into the joint tissue. If you find yourself needing frequent injections for the same joint, your doctor may recommend radiofrequency ablation as a longer-lasting option that cuts down on the need for repeated steroid injections.
What is the difference between a facet joint injection and a medial branch block?
A facet joint injection puts medicine directly inside the joint capsule to treat the swelling within the joint itself. A medial branch block sends numbing medicine to the small nerves (called medial branches) that carry pain signals from the facet joint to the brain. Both procedures help diagnose and treat facet joint pain, but they work in different ways. A medial branch block is often used as a test before radiofrequency ablation, while a facet joint injection treats the swelling directly.
Schedule a Cervical Facet Injection Consultation in Phoenix, AZ
Contact Premier Pain Management Arizona in Phoenix (Maryvale), Mesa, or Queen Creek to schedule a consultation and determine whether this targeted neck pain treatment is appropriate for your condition.