What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are small paired joints located at each level of your spine, from the neck down to the sacrum (tailbone). Like other joints in the body, they can undergo age-related wear and tear, and are a common source of back or neck pain.
How Do We Treat Facet Joint Pain?
Before starting treatment, we need to confirm whether the facet joints are the main source of your pain.
The first step is a Medial Branch Block (MBB) — a diagnostic procedure that does not offer long-term pain relief. It involves injecting a small amount of local anaesthetic (similar to what a dentist uses) near the nerves supplying the facet joints. If your pain significantly reduces, this suggests the facet joints are likely contributing to your symptoms.
In some cases, this test may need to be repeated.
Important: Block Assessment Sheet
You will be given a block assessment sheet to complete for 3 days following the procedure. This helps us assess your response to the diagnostic block. Please email, fax, or post the completed sheet back to Northern Beaches Pain Management.
Procedure Information
- Performed in hospital.
- Light sedation is given under the care of a consultant anaesthetist.
- You must arrange someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
After Your Procedure
If you have received sedation, you must not for 24 hours:
- Drive a vehicle
- Drink alcohol or smoke
- Sign legal documents or make major decisions
- Operate machinery
- Do strenuous physical activity
Please follow any additional instructions given by hospital staff.
What to Expect
- This procedure is not a treatment — it is a test to locate the source of pain.
- Your doctor will review the completed block assessment sheet with you at your follow-up appointment.
- If the results indicate success, you may be offered a longer-lasting treatment called Radiofrequency Neurotomy
Pain After the Procedure
- Mild discomfort or pain flare at the injection sites is normal once the anaesthetic wears off.
- You may continue your usual medications and pain relief as needed.
- Record changes in your usual pain, not the injection site soreness.
- Try performing light activities (e.g. doing dishes) and note in your sheet if they worsen or improve your pain.
Follow-Up
- Our team will contact you within a week to schedule a follow-up consultation.
- Return the completed block assessment sheet via email, fax, or post using the contact details below.
In Case of Emergency
Peninsula Pain Management does not offer an after-hours service.
For urgent medical attention, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.