Facet Joint Injections
BioHealth Pain Management Specialists
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures used to evaluate and treat pain originating from the small joints of the spine. They may be recommended when arthritis, injury, or age-related changes cause persistent neck or back pain.
What Is a Facet Joint Injection?
Facet joints connect the vertebrae and help stabilize the spine during movement. When these joints become inflamed or damaged, they can cause localized pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
A facet joint injection places medication into or near the affected joint. The injection may contain a local anesthetic, a corticosteroid, or both.
Benefits of Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections may help:
- Identify whether a facet joint is causing pain
- Reduce inflammation and discomfort
- Improve spinal movement
- Make daily activities more manageable
- Determine whether additional treatment may be helpful
Find out whether facet joint injections may be appropriate for your neck or back pain. Call BioHealth Pain Management at 424-360-0066.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The treatment area is cleaned and numbed. Using imaging guidance, the physician carefully directs a needle toward the affected facet joint and injects the medication. Patients generally return home the same day with instructions for recovery and activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
They may be used for pain related to facet joint arthritis, spondylosis, spinal degeneration, injury, or inflammation.
Facet joint injections may be performed in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, depending on the location of the pain.
The local anesthetic may provide temporary relief shortly after the procedure. A corticosteroid may take several days to begin working.
Results vary. Relief may last from several weeks to several months, while some patients experience limited or no improvement.
Facet joint injections are generally considered safe when properly performed, but risks are possible. Your physician will review potential side effects and determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you.