Facet joint injection in Korea

Facet joint injection in Korea

Overview

A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation in the spine, particularly in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions. Facet joints are the small stabilizing joints located between each vertebra, and degeneration, arthritis, or injury can lead to facet joint syndrome, causing localized back pain, stiffness, or referred pain.

In South Korea, facet joint injections are performed in advanced pain management and orthopedic centers, using image-guided techniques (fluoroscopy or CT) for high precision. These injections provide targeted relief, improve mobility, and may reduce the need for systemic medications.


What is a Facet Joint Injection?

A facet joint injection involves injecting a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid directly into the facet joint or surrounding tissue.

It is usually recommended for:

  • Chronic back or neck pain due to arthritis or degenerative changes
  • Pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, buttocks, or legs
  • Limited spinal mobility impacting daily activities
  • Patients who have not responded adequately to oral medications or physical therapy

Facet joint injections serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes: they confirm the source of pain and reduce inflammation.


What are the benefits?

Facet joint injections offer multiple advantages:

  • Targeted pain relief → directly reduces inflammation at the affected joint
  • Improves mobility and function → allows patients to participate more effectively in rehabilitation
  • Minimally invasive procedure → avoids open surgery
  • Diagnostic benefit → identifies the specific source of spinal pain
  • Reduces reliance on oral pain medications → lowers risk of systemic side effects
  • High precision in Korea → advanced imaging ensures accurate needle placement and maximal effectiveness

Procedure Details

1) How should I prepare for a Facet Joint Injection?

Preparation is important for safety and accuracy:

  • Medical evaluation → review medical history, medications, allergies, and imaging (MRI, CT, or X-rays)
  • Medication adjustment → blood-thinning drugs may need temporary discontinuation
  • Fasting instructions → typically 4–6 hours if sedation is planned
  • Consent and procedure discussion → explanation of benefits, risks, and expected outcomes
  • Comfort measures → wear loose clothing and arrange transportation home after the procedure

2) What happens during the procedure Facet Joint Injection?

The procedure typically takes 20–45 minutes:

  1. Positioning → patient lies on the stomach or side, depending on the injection site
  2. Imaging guidance → fluoroscopy or CT used to precisely locate the facet joint
  3. Skin preparation and local anesthesia → area is sterilized, and local anesthetic is applied
  4. Needle insertion → the needle is guided into the facet joint under imaging
  5. Injection → corticosteroid and anesthetic solution is injected to reduce inflammation and pain
  6. Immediate assessment → patient may report temporary pain relief within minutes to hours

In Korea, pain management specialists use state-of-the-art imaging and sterile technique, ensuring accurate delivery with minimal discomfort.

3) What happens after a Facet Joint Injection?

  • Immediate recovery → patients monitored for 15–30 minutes post-procedure
  • Pain relief → may begin within hours; full effect may take 1–3 days
  • Activity recommendations → light activity is encouraged; avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
  • Follow-up → additional injections may be planned if multiple joints are involved
  • Rehabilitation support → physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen spinal muscles and maintain results

Risks / Benefits

Potential Risks:

  • Temporary pain or soreness at the injection site
  • Minor bruising or swelling
  • Allergic reaction to medications (rare)
  • Rare complications → infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or temporary numbness

Key Benefits:

  • Targeted pain relief without surgery
  • Improved spinal mobility and quality of life
  • Diagnostic confirmation of pain source
  • Minimally invasive with short recovery time
  • High precision and safety in Korea with expert pain specialists

Recovery and Outlook

  • Short-term recovery → most patients resume daily activities within 24–48 hours
  • Functional improvement → reduced pain allows better participation in physical therapy
  • Long-term outlook → some patients achieve long-lasting relief; repeat injections or combined therapies may be recommended
  • In Korea, patients benefit from expert pain management, image-guided injections, and tailored rehabilitation, maximizing pain relief and spinal health

When To Call the Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain beyond expected post-injection soreness
  • Redness, swelling, or warmth at the injection site
  • Fever or systemic symptoms suggesting infection
  • Numbness, weakness, or loss of function in limbs
  • Allergic reactions to medications

Prompt evaluation ensures safe recovery and optimal pain management.


Best Korea Option / Process

South Korea offers top-tier facet joint injection services:

  • Expert pain management specialists and orthopedic surgeons → skilled in image-guided injections
  • Advanced imaging equipment → fluoroscopy, CT, and ultrasound for precise placement
  • Comprehensive care packages → pre-procedure evaluation, injection, and rehabilitation support
  • Minimally invasive outpatient procedures → short hospital stay and rapid return to daily activities
  • International patient support → multilingual staff, appointment scheduling, and personalized pain management plans

Patients choosing Korea for facet joint injections can expect safe, effective, and precise pain relief, making it a preferred destination for spinal care in Asia.

Search

More Related Topics

Stay Informed. Stay Healthy.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest updates on top treatments, trusted clinics, expert health tips, and exclusive offers—directly from Korea’s leading medical platform.

Follow us

Share:

Why KoreaHealth.Global is Your Most
Trusted Health Guide

At KoreaHealth.Global, we connect you with the most reliable hospitals, specialists, and treatment options in South Korea. Our platform is tailored for international patients—making your medical journey simple, safe, and stress-free.

Get Appointment