Facet joint injection

You will be asked to lie on your front. Your consultant will do a type of X-ray called a fluroscopy to get real-time moving internal images of your spine on a screen.

They will use it to locate which facet joint they want to inject. This next part of the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, to block pain in the area. Your consultant will sterilise the skin on your back and inject a local anaesthetic. They will then use a larger needle to slowly inject a steroid solution into the affected facet joint.

This whole procedure usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It can sometimes take longer. You won't need to stay overnight.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and explain the procedure to you. They also answer any questions you may have.

You'll need ask someone to help you get home from the hospital after the procedure, as you won't be able to drive right away. Make sure you tell your consultant if you're taking any medicine, including blood thinning medications.

After you've had the injection, you might feel some weakness in your legs. This happens if the nerves that control your movement have been temporarily affected. This doesn't last long.

You might feel some pain relief within 15 minutes of the procedure but it can up to a week.