Cervical Facet Block
Neck pain that worsens with turning your head, looking up, or waking in the morning often starts in the facet joints. A Cervical Facet Block confirms this, and relieves the pain at the same time.
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Frequently asked questions
What are cervical facet joints?
Cervical facet joints (also called zygapophyseal joints) are small paired joints at the back of each level of your cervical (neck) spine, from C2 to C7. There are two at every spinal level, one on each side. They allow your neck to bend and rotate, and they carry a portion of the spine's load. Like any joint, they can develop arthritis, become inflamed, or be injured in a whiplash event, causing significant neck pain and stiffness.
What pain does a cervical facet block treat?
Cervical facet pain typically presents as aching or stiffness in the neck, pain that radiates to the back of the head, shoulders, or upper back, and discomfort that worsens when turning the head or looking upward. It is a common cause of cervicogenic headache (headache originating from the neck) and is frequently seen after whiplash injuries. The C2–C3 facet joint is one of the most common sources of headache in neck pain patients.
What is the difference between a facet joint injection and a medial branch block?
Both target the same pain source. A facet joint injection places the needle directly inside the joint capsule. A medial branch block places the needle at the small nerve (the medial branch) that supplies the facet joint. Medial branch blocks are preferred when RFA is being considered as the next step, because if the block works, the same nerves can be ablated with RFA for longer-lasting relief.
How is a cervical facet block performed?
You lie face-down with your neck in a neutral position. Under fluoroscopy, a thin needle is guided to the target facet joint or medial branch nerve. A small amount of contrast dye confirms the correct position, then local anaesthetic with or without a corticosteroid is injected. Multiple levels may be treated in a single session. The procedure takes 15–25 minutes.
When will I feel better after a cervical facet block?
With a medial branch block, significant pain relief within 30 minutes of the injection is a positive diagnostic result, confirming the facet as the source. When steroid is included, the full anti-inflammatory effect builds over 3–7 days. Track your pain in a diary for the next 24 hours; that information guides your next treatment decision.
How long does a cervical facet block provide pain relief?
A medial branch block with local anaesthetic typically gives short-term relief (hours to days). When steroid is added, relief may last weeks to a few months. Patients who respond well but have recurring pain are excellent candidates for Cervical Facet RFA, which can keep the pain away for 12–24 months.
Can I go home the same day?
Yes. This is a day-care procedure. You rest for 2–4 hours after the injection, then go home. Please have a driver with you, do not drive on the day of your procedure. Most patients resume normal activity the following day.
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