Epidural and Facet Injections: Targeted Relief for Back and Neck Pain at Crystal Radiology. (02) 831
Author : crystal radiology | Published On : 28 Sep 2026
Back and neck pain can affect almost every part of daily life, from walking and exercising to sleeping, working and completing everyday activities. While many people improve with conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, exercise and rest, some continue to experience persistent pain.
When these approaches do not provide enough relief, image-guided injections may be considered as part of a broader pain management plan. Epidural and Facet Injections at Crystal Radiology provide targeted treatment options that can help manage certain types of spinal pain without requiring surgery.
What Are Epidural and Facet Injections?
Epidural and facet injections are procedures designed to deliver medication close to specific structures in the spine that may be contributing to pain.
Although both treatments involve an injection, they target different areas and are generally used for different pain patterns.
- Epidural injections target the epidural space around the spinal nerves and are commonly considered for pain caused by irritation or inflammation of nerve roots.
- Facet joint injections target the small joints between the vertebrae and may be considered when facet joint inflammation or arthritis is contributing to localised spinal pain.
Epidural and Facet Injections at Crystal Radiology are performed using image guidance to help the treating specialist accurately position the needle and deliver medication to the intended area.
Epidural Injections for Nerve-Related Pain
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space around the spinal nerves.
When a spinal nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, pain may travel along the path of the nerve. Depending on the location of the affected nerve, this can result in symptoms affecting the arm, shoulder, buttock or leg.
Nerve-related symptoms may include:
- Shooting or radiating pain
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness
- Burning sensations
- Pain that travels from the back into the leg
- Pain that travels from the neck into the arm
Conditions such as a disc bulge or herniation, spinal stenosis and other spinal changes may irritate nerve roots and contribute to these symptoms.
An epidural injection aims to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve and may provide temporary pain relief, potentially making it easier for patients to participate in rehabilitation and everyday activities.
Facet Joint Injections for Localised Back and Neck Pain
Facet joints are small joints located at the back of the spine. They help connect the vertebrae and contribute to spinal stability and movement.
These joints can become painful because of arthritis, age-related changes, injury or other degenerative conditions. Facet-related pain is often felt locally in the neck or back and may become worse with certain movements, including bending, twisting or extending the spine.
A facet joint injection may contain a local anaesthetic and corticosteroid. The local anaesthetic can temporarily numb the area, while the corticosteroid is intended to reduce inflammation.
Facet injections may have both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
If pain improves significantly after medication is delivered to the suspected facet joint, this may provide useful information to the treating doctor about the possible source of the pain. The injection may also provide temporary relief from symptoms.
How Are These Injections Performed?
Image guidance is an important part of these procedures because it helps the treating specialist accurately identify the relevant anatomical structures and guide the needle into the intended location.
The general process may include:
- You will be positioned appropriately for the procedure.
- The skin will be cleaned and prepared.
- A local anaesthetic may be used to numb the injection area.
- Imaging is used to guide the needle.
- The medication is delivered to the target area.
- The needle is removed and the injection site is covered.
The exact technique varies according to the type and location of the injection.
Epidural and Facet Injections at Crystal Radiology are performed as image-guided procedures, helping the treating team accurately target the relevant spinal region.
Are Epidural and Facet Injections Suitable for Everyone?
These procedures are not appropriate for every patient. Your doctor or specialist will consider your symptoms, diagnosis, imaging findings, medical history and current medications before recommending an injection.
You should tell your healthcare team about:
- Blood-thinning medications
- Allergies or previous reactions to medications or contrast
- Current infections or illness
- Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
- Diabetes or other relevant medical conditions
- Previous spinal procedures
Your treating practitioner can explain the potential benefits, risks and alternatives before the procedure.
Why Choose Crystal Radiology for Image-Guided Injections?
Accurate imaging can be an important part of image-guided spinal procedures. Crystal Radiology provides diagnostic imaging and image-guided procedures designed around appropriate clinical referrals and patient care.
Epidural and Facet Injections at Crystal Radiology may be considered when targeted treatment is appropriate for your particular spinal pain condition.
Persistent back or neck pain can make everyday activities difficult, but treatment options are available for appropriately selected patients. Image-guided injections can provide a targeted approach when inflammation or specific spinal structures are contributing to pain.
Take the Next Step Towards Targeted Pain Relief
If your doctor or specialist has recommended an image-guided spinal injection,
Epidural and Facet Injections at Crystal Radiology can be part of a personalised approach to managing your symptoms.
Contact Crystal Radiology and book your appointment today. Please ensure that you have your Medicare card and referral with you and pop into our location for your consultation. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us on (02) 8315 8292 as we are here to help
Additional Recommendation
“This information is general in nature and does not replace medical advice. Suitability for procedures should be discussed with your referring doctor or specialist,
