Cervical Facet Joint Injections, Cost, Pain, Recovery Time, Success Rate, Post-Injection Exercises

Content:

• What are Cervical Facet Joint Injections?
• Cost
• Pain
• Recovery Time
• Success Rate
• Post-Injection Exercises

What are Cervical Facet Joint Injections?

Cervical facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the small joints in the neck called facet joints. These joints help stabilize the cervical spine and control movement. When they become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or degenerative changes, they can cause significant neck pain and referred pain to the shoulders, upper back, or head.

During the procedure, a mixture of a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid is injected directly into the facet joint or near the medial branch nerves supplying it. This helps reduce inflammation and block pain signals. The procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or CT guidance to ensure precise placement of the needle. Facet injections can be both diagnostic—confirming the source of pain—and therapeutic—providing lasting pain relief.

Cost

The cost of cervical facet joint injections varies depending on location, healthcare setting, number of joints treated, and whether insurance covers the procedure. In the United States, the cost typically ranges from $600 to $2,000 per session. This may include physician fees, facility charges, imaging guidance, and the cost of medications used during the injection.

Patients with insurance often pay only a copay or a percentage depending on their plan. Some insurance providers require prior authorization. In countries with public healthcare systems, such as the UK, facet joint injections may be offered through the NHS at no direct cost to the patient, though wait times can vary. For private procedures, clinics may offer package pricing, especially if multiple levels need to be treated.

Pain

The pain experienced during cervical facet joint injections is usually minimal. Before the injection, the skin is numbed with a local anesthetic, which may cause a brief stinging sensation. As the needle is guided into the facet joint, some patients feel pressure or mild discomfort but not sharp pain. The procedure typically lasts 10–20 minutes and is well tolerated.

After the injection, some patients may experience temporary soreness at the injection site or a mild increase in pain for 24–48 hours, especially if a steroid is used. This is usually managed with ice packs and mild pain relievers. Significant or worsening pain after the procedure is uncommon and should be reported to the physician.

Recovery Time

The recovery time after cervical facet joint injections is generally short. Most patients can return home the same day and resume light activities within 24 hours. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or exercise are usually avoided for the first day to allow the injection site to settle and reduce the risk of complications.

Pain relief may begin within a few hours if a local anesthetic is used, but steroid effects typically take 2–5 days to fully develop. Some patients experience relief for weeks or months, depending on the underlying cause. Recovery is usually smooth, with few restrictions, making this procedure suitable for people seeking pain relief without major downtime.

Success Rate

The success rate of cervical facet joint injections varies but is generally reported to be between 50% and 85% for pain relief, depending on patient selection and technique. Diagnostic injections can identify whether the facet joints are the source of pain, and if positive, radiofrequency ablation may be considered for longer-lasting results.

Some patients may require repeat injections over time to maintain relief. Success depends on factors such as the degree of degeneration, the accuracy of the injection, and whether other pain generators (e.g., discs or nerves) are involved. In carefully selected patients, these injections can significantly improve function and reduce the need for surgery.

Post-Injection Exercises

Post-injection exercises are important to restore movement, strengthen supporting muscles, and prevent recurrence of pain. Once initial soreness subsides (usually within 1–2 days), gentle range-of-motion exercises such as neck rotations, side bends, and chin tucks can be started. These help maintain joint mobility without straining the injected area.

Physical therapists may recommend posture correction drills, scapular stabilization exercises, and gentle strengthening of the deep cervical flexors. These exercises support the spine, reduce mechanical stress on the facet joints, and improve long-term outcomes. Patients should follow a structured rehabilitation plan tailored to their condition and progress gradually under professional guidance.