Overview
Facet joints are small joints at the back of each vertebra that help guide motion. When they become arthritic or inflamed, they can cause local back pain. A facet joint injection places medication into the joint; a medial branch block numbs the tiny nerves supplying that joint. Both help relieve pain and confirm the pain source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when performed under imaging guidance, complications are uncommon.
Many patients get meaningful pain relief, about half report substantial benefit in trials.
Relief can last weeks to months; longer procedures may follow if helpful.
Injection delivers medicine into the joint; MBB numbs the supplying nerve.
Often yes, if the facet joint is the main pain source.
