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.

Healthcare professional preparing medication in a syringe for a medical injection

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.

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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.

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