Facet Joint Injection Treatment in London

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Facet joints are the small joints at the back of the spine that allow movement and stability. When they become inflamed, even simple turning, bending, or standing can trigger sharp discomfort.

A specialist-led cortisone injection targets these joints to calm irritation and restore controlled spinal movement.

Dr Purnajyoti Banerjee offers consultant-delivered care focused on accurate diagnosis and precise treatment. This injection addresses facet joint arthritis or wear and tear (degenerative changes) and is designed to reduce inflammation without surgery.

Targeted Facet Joint Injection in London

A facet joint steroid injection involves a local anaesthetic and corticosteroid injected into the facet joint to reduce inflammation and confirm the source of pain.

It is a diagnostic and therapeutic injection to confirm the pain source while providing relief.

Patients with localised neck or lower back pain that worsens with movement or extension often benefit most.

This is the pain that does not typically travel down the arm or leg, which helps distinguish it from nerve compression.

Dr Purnajyoti Banerjee performs a spinal facet joint injection using fluoroscopy (X-ray) or CT-guided injection for precise placement. The procedure is a day-case procedure performed under sterile conditions, and patients return home shortly afterwards.

Who this treatment is designed for

A facet joint injection is suited to people whose spinal pain limits normal activity and has not improved with rest or physiotherapy.

It is particularly appropriate for:

Persistent neck stiffness

Chronic lower back pain without nerve symptoms

Pain triggered by twisting or extension

Reduced ability to sit or stand comfortably

Patients needing confirmation of pain origin

Depending on the region treated, it may involve a lumbar facet joint injection or a cervical facet joint injection.

Practical benefits patients notice

Pain relief to improve mobility and daily function

Better tolerance for sitting and standing

Improved posture and spinal movement

Reduced reliance on pain medication

Support for rehabilitation and physiotherapy

Recovery and risk considerations

After the injection, patients rest briefly and go home the same day. Mild soreness may last 1 to 2 hours. Normal walking is encouraged, but heavy lifting should be avoided early.

Risks are uncommon when performed by a spine specialist. Possible effects include temporary pain flare, bruising at the injection site, or short-term numbness. Infection and bleeding are rare due to sterile technique and imaging guidance.

Treatment may be followed by medial branch blocks or radiofrequency treatment if longer-term control is required.

Procedure Overview

Element	Details
Setting	Specialist outpatient spine clinic
Duration	Usually 15–25 minutes
Numbing method	Local anaesthetic used
Imaging	X-ray guided facet joint injection
Discharge	Same-day return home

Restore Spinal Movement With Expert Care

Facet pain should not control how you work or move. A specialist-delivered facet joint injection in London focuses on restoring controlled spinal function and improving quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a facet joint injection treat?

It treats inflammation within spinal facet joints that causes local neck or back pain without nerve compression. The injection targets the irritated joint directly to reduce swelling and restore smoother movement.

How soon does pain relief begin?

Some patients feel improvement within a few days. Others notice gradual relief over one to two weeks as inflammation continues to settle.

Is the procedure painful?

The area is numbed before treatment to minimise discomfort. Most patients report only brief pressure or mild soreness during and after the injection.

How long do results last?

Relief varies and may last weeks to months, depending on the joint condition. Activity level and underlying degeneration influence how long benefits continue.

What happens if pain returns?

If symptoms return, a reassessment is performed to determine the source of pain. Repeat injections or advanced treatments may be considered when clinically appropriate.