Learn about Facet Block Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Facet Block and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Facet Block

A Facet Block is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic spinal injection procedure performed by spine specialists to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints. These small, paired joints at the back of the spine provide stability and guide motion. When inflamed or arthritic, they can be a significant source of chronic back or neck pain. During the procedure, a local anesthetic and often a corticosteroid are precisely injected into or around the affected facet joint under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance. This helps numb the pain and reduce inflammation, providing both immediate relief and diagnostic information. If the block successfully relieves pain, it confirms the facet joint as the pain source and can guide further treatment plans, such as radiofrequency ablation.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive procedure with no surgical incision.Serves as both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic treatment.Performed under precise image guidance (fluoroscopy) for accuracy.Typically provides rapid pain relief, often within 30 minutes.Can help delay or avoid the need for more invasive spine surgery.Performed as an outpatient procedure with a short recovery time./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Chronic neck (cervical) or back (lumbar/thoracic) pain that has not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication.
  • Suspected facet joint syndrome or facet joint arthritis (spondylosis).
  • Pain that worsens with twisting, bending backward, or prolonged standing/sitting.
  • Localized spinal tenderness over the facet joints.
  • As a diagnostic step to confirm the facet joint as the pain source before considering a longer-term procedure like radiofrequency ablation.
  • Pain following a whiplash injury or spinal trauma.

How to prepare

  • Discontinue blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) as advised by your doctor, typically 5-7 days prior.
  • Inform your physician of all medications, supplements, and allergies, especially to iodine, contrast dye, or local anesthetics.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as driving is not permitted for 24 hours.
  • You may be asked to fast (no food or drink) for a few hours before the procedure.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • A pre-procedure consultation will review your medical history and imaging studies (like MRI or CT scans).

Risks & possible complications

  • Common temporary side effects include soreness at the injection site, a feeling of warmth, or temporary numbness.
  • Risk of infection at the injection site (very low).
  • Bleeding or bruising.
  • Allergic reaction to the anesthetic or corticosteroid medication.
  • Rarely, nerve damage, dural puncture (causing a spinal headache), or increased pain.
  • Temporary weakness or numbness in the limbs.
  • Facial flushing or a temporary increase in blood sugar (due to steroid).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • You will be monitored in a recovery area for 30-60 minutes after the procedure.
  • Rest for the remainder of the day; avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending for 24-48 hours.
  • You may apply ice to the injection site if you experience soreness.
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry for 24 hours.
  • Pain relief may begin within hours, but the full effect of the steroid may take 3-5 days.
  • Your doctor may advise you to keep a pain diary to track the effectiveness of the block.
  • Follow up with your spine specialist to discuss the results and any next steps in your treatment plan.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for normal activity; 5-7 days for full effect of medication

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering facet block in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for facet block compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 163 – USD 435 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 1-2 days for normal activity; 5-7 days for full effect of medication Know More
Turkey USD 1,208 – USD 3,221 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 1-2 days for normal activity; 5-7 days for full effect of medication Know More

Top hospitals for Facet Block in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing facet block.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Follow-up visit for my cervical disc...

Follow-up visit for my cervical disc replacement. Dr. Dwivedi remembered my daughter's board exam results and asked about them first. His staff coordinated with insurance for my scans - clinical excellence matched by human touch.

Spine surgeons for Facet Block

Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform facet block and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Charanjit Singh Dhillon
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Priyamvadha K
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharat Sarkar
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vidyadhara S
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohit Muttha
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sk Rajan
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukesh Haritwal
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balamurugan Thirugnanam
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kasinath Swain
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Soni
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anutosh Singh
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akash Mishra
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Saikat Sarkar
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhadip Mandal
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hamza Shaikh
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rahul Chaudhari
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Next