Facet joints are located along the entire length of the spine from the neck to the lower back, where one vertebra slightly overlaps another. These joints guide the spine's movement. A facet block is performed to determine whether a facet joint is a source of pain, and/or to treat pain.
How it's performed
After the patient is given a local anesthetic, a needle is inserted in the area of the facet joint(s). Using fluoroscopic guidance, a small amount of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is injected in the area.