Cervical Facet Block

What is a Cervical Facet Block?

A Cervical Facet Block is used to relieve pain in the facet joints in the cervical spine (neck). When the joints in the spine become inflamed, they can become irritated and cause pain. This injection is used for relief of patients that suffer with degenerative joint disease or arthritis. In many cases, cervical facet blocks are meant to be both therapeutic and diagnostic.

What is the procedure?

The appointment time for a Cervical Facet Block is approximately 45-60 minutes all together. There are 3 different stages to the appointment.

• Pre-operative– When you check in, you will be escorted to our pre-operative area where a clinical assistant will record your weight, height, blood pressure, and blood sugar if applicable, as well as any other necessary measures to get you prepared. Medications and allergies are verified for your safety. Prior to the procedure, your physician will speak with you about your pain, answer any questions, and address any concerns you may have.

• Procedure – Following pre-op stage of the visit, you will be asked to enter the procedure suite, where you be prepped for the procedure. Your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels will be monitored during the entire procedure. The area of injection insertion will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. Sterile towels will be applied, and then under x-ray guidance the indicated joint is located. Your physician will initially numb your skin with a local anesthetic; much like a dentist would, and carefully insert the needle into the joint space. Under fluoroscopic guidance, this is accurately visualized. The medication is then injected slowly into the appropriate joint at the effected. Following the removal of the needle(s), a bandage is applied.

• Post-operative – Following your procedure, you will be monitored approximately 15-20 minutes prior to being discharged. Your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen will be monitored until necessary. Our medical team will insure your comfort and answer any additional concerns you may have prior to discharge.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After your procedure, you are asked to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid any strenuous activities. Tenderness at the site of needle insertion may occur, in which case ice may be applied for 20 minutes every hour if necessary. Normal activities can be resumed the following day without restrictions.

Certain procedures may be performed with local anesthesia. Your provider will discuss the necessity of this with you at your appointment prior to scheduling the procedure.