The facet joints run along the spinal cord. Twisting injuries or the deterioration of cartilage associated with aging can cause damage and pain in the lower back that may travel to nearby areas including the middle back, hips, and buttocks.

A nerve block is an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory injection designed to “shut off” the pain signals being sent by facet joint nerves. Using image guidance such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or computed tomography (also called a CT or CAT scan), your MIT radiologist will guide a needle into the facet joint capsule to inject a numbing agent or an anti-inflammatory steroid medication.