What to Expect From Facet Joint Injections

When you experience ongoing back or neck pain, it may be related to inflammation in the small joints that connect the vertebrae in your spine — the facet joints. These joints provide stability and flexibility, but they can become painful due to arthritis, injury, or degeneration.

At Spinal Diagnostics, we offer facet joint injections as a minimally invasive solution for diagnosing and relieving spine-related pain. If your provider has recommended this treatment, here’s what you can expect.

How facet joint injections work

Facet joint injections combine a local anesthetic with a corticosteroid medication. The anesthetic offers immediate, short-term relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation for longer-lasting effects.

We use fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) to guide a thin needle directly into the facet joint affected by inflammation. The accuracy of this process ensures the medication is delivered precisely where it’s needed.

What conditions can facet joint injections treat?

Facet joint injections are typically used for:

Chronic neck or lower back pain
Spinal arthritis or osteoarthritis
Degenerative disc disease
Facet joint syndrome
Whiplash-related neck pain

These injections may also be used as a diagnostic tool to confirm that your facet joints are the source of pain.

What to expect during the procedure

Facet joint injections are typically performed in an outpatient setting and take only 15-30 minutes. You’ll lie comfortably on your stomach (or side for neck injections), and we’ll numb the skin before inserting the needle.

You may feel pressure or a brief pinch, but the discomfort is minimal. Once the injection is complete, you’ll be monitored briefly and then sent home the same day.

After the injection

It’s normal to feel relief within a few hours due to the anesthetic. This relief may wear off as the anesthetic fades, but the steroid will begin working over the next several days.

Most patients can resume light activity within 24 hours, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a couple of days.

Results vary — some people experience relief for weeks or months, and the injection can be repeated if necessary as part of a long-term pain management plan.

If you’re dealing with persistent back or neck pain and want to know if facet joint injections are right for you, contact our team at Spinal Diagnostics today to schedule a consultation.

The Ultimate Guide To Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

The Ultimate Guide To Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery Living with chronic neck pain or spinal issues can be both physically and emotionally draining. When conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or rest no longer provide relief, spine surgery...

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects the spine as we age. It occurs when the intervertebral discs — the cushions between your vertebrae — begin to break down, causing pain, stiffness, and...

The Dangers of Tech Neck

The Dangers of Tech Neck Whether you’re checking social media, answering emails, or watching videos, odds are good you spend several hours a day looking down at a device. Unfortunately, this frequent forward-head posture can strain the muscles in your neck and upper...

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option Most people who develop back pain want to avoid surgery — and that’s a great instinct. At Spinal Diagnostics, we always prioritize conservative and minimally invasive treatments first. That said, back surgery remains a necessary...

Everything You Need to Know About mild® for Spinal Stenosis

Everything You Need to Know About mild® for Spinal Stenosis Chronic lower back and leg pain can make daily life incredibly difficult — especially when it’s caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). If conservative therapies haven’t worked and you’re not ready for...

4 Common Migraine Triggers

4 Common Migraine Triggers If you experience migraines, you know how quickly they can disrupt your day. While migraines often seem to strike without warning, identifying your personal triggers can help you prevent or manage future attacks. At Spinal Diagnostics, we...

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here’s What to Do About It

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here’s What to Do About It Urinary incontinence affects millions of Americans and can be a frustrating and isolating condition. Whether it’s occasional leaks or a more constant issue, incontinence can interfere with your work,...

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines Many people who suffer from migraines notice a pattern: their headaches worsen when the weather shifts. While scientists haven’t pinpointed all the mechanisms, there’s growing evidence that weather changes can trigger or...

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy About 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord and most commonly impacts the feet and legs first. At Spinal...

What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be an incredibly frustrating and isolating experience. Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically...