Facet Joint Procedures

Minimally Invasive Pain Relief for Spinal Joint Dysfunction

What Are Facet Joint Procedures?

Facet joint procedures, also known as medial branch blocks, are minimally invasive treatments designed to diagnose and relieve pain caused by facet joint dysfunction. The facet joints are small stabilising joints located between vertebrae, which can become inflamed or degenerate due to arthritis, injury, or spinal wear and tear. This can lead to persistent back and neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Facet joint procedures can help alleviate pain, improve movement, and delay the need for more invasive spinal surgery. Whenever possible, Mr. Gordan Grahovac prioritises non-surgical pain management before considering surgical intervention.

Who Benefits from Facet Joint Procedures?

These procedures are recommended for patients experiencing:

  • Chronic back or neck pain caused by facet joint arthritis or degeneration.

  • Localised pain that worsens with movement or prolonged standing.

  • Limited spinal mobility and stiffness.

  • Pain radiating to the shoulders, upper back, or buttocks due to facet joint irritation.

  • Difficulty performing daily activities due to spinal discomfort.

    Each case is individually assessed to determine the most appropriate facet joint procedure for long-term pain relief.

Types of Facet Joint Procedures

  • Facet Joint Injections / Medial Branch Blocks


    A targeted pain relief treatment that delivers a combination of steroids and local anaesthetics into the facet joints.

    How it works: A small amount of medication is injected into the affected facet joint using X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance. The steroid reduces inflammation, while the anaesthetic provides immediate pain relief.

    Conditions it treats: Facet joint arthritis, degenerative facet disease, and inflammation-related spinal pain.

    Recovery time: Patients can return to normal activities within 24–48 hours, with pain relief lasting weeks to months.

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  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of Medial Branch Nerves


    A long-term pain relief procedure that disrupts pain signals from the facet joints by applying heat to the medial branch nerves.

    How it works: A specialised probe is inserted near the medial branch nerves, and controlled heat is applied using radiofrequency energy. This temporarily disables the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.

    Conditions it treats: Chronic facet joint pain that has been confirmed by a successful medial branch block.

    Recovery time: Patients typically resume light activities within a few days, with full benefits developing over 2–4 weeks. Pain relief can last from 6 months to over a year.

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  • Nerve Root Block


    This injection is used to diagnose and relieve pain caused by compression of a specific spinal nerve root.

    How it works: A combination of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid is injected near the affected nerve root under X-ray or CT guidance. The anaesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation around the nerve.

    Conditions it treats: Herniated discs, sciatica, radiculopathy, and nerve root irritation in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.

    Recovery time: Most patients experience relief within a few days. The effects can last for weeks to 6 months, depending on the condition and response to treatment.

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Recovery & Long-Term Results

Facet joint procedures provide effective pain relief and improved mobility with minimal downtime. Mr. Gordan Grahovac ensures a personalised recovery plan tailored to each patient’s needs.

  • All facet joint procedures are performed as outpatient treatments, allowing patients to return home the same day.

    • Mild soreness or discomfort at the injection site may occur but typically resolves within a few days.

    • Patients should avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours but can resume normal tasks soon after.

    • Facet joint injections provide temporary relief lasting weeks to months.

    • Medial branch blocks offer short-term diagnostic relief, guiding further treatment.

    • Radiofrequency ablation delivers longer-lasting pain relief, often extending for a year or more.

    • Significant reduction in back or neck pain.

    • Improved spinal mobility and function.

    • Reduced reliance on pain medications.

    • Delayed need for invasive surgical procedures.

Why Choose Mr. Gordan Grahovac for Facet Joint Procedures?

With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Gordan Grahovac is a leading Consultant Neurosurgeon & Complex Spinal Surgeon specialising in minimally invasive spinal treatments. His expertise includes:

  • Precision-Guided Techniques – Ensuring accuracy and effectiveness using fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance.

  • Comprehensive Pain Management – Offering a multidisciplinary approach to spinal care.

  • Patient-Focused Treatment Plans – Tailoring every procedure to the individual’s pain profile and lifestyle needs.

  • State-of-the-Art Technology – Using the latest advancements in spinal intervention for superior outcomes.

His patient-first philosophy ensures that each person receives the most effective and least invasive treatment to relieve facet joint pain.

What Patients Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions: Facet Joint Procedures

  • Facet joint injections are both diagnostic and therapeutic. If the injection provides relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of pain.

  • Yes, these minimally invasive treatments are performed under image guidance to ensure safety and precision, with minimal risk of complications.

  • Pain relief varies by procedure. Injections may last weeks to months, while radiofrequency ablation can provide relief for over a year.

  • Yes, facet joint injections can be repeated if pain returns. Radiofrequency ablation may offer longer-lasting relief.

  • Not necessarily. Many patients achieve long-term relief without surgery. However, if pain persists, surgical options may be considered.

Take the First Step Towards Pain Relief

Facet joint procedures provide effective, minimally invasive pain relief for chronic back and neck pain. If you're struggling with facet joint-related discomfort, expert spinal care can help.

 Book a consultation with Mr. Gordan Grahovac today to discuss whether facet joint procedures are right for you.