Facet Joint Injection: Relieving Pain from Arthritis in the Spine

Facet joints are the small, paired joints along the back of your spine that help guide movement. When they become arthritic or inflamed, they can cause persistent low-back, mid-back, or neck pain.

A facet joint injection delivers medication directly into these joints to calm irritation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.

Why It’s Done

Facet joint injections are used to:

• Diagnose or treat pain coming from arthritic facet joints.

• Provide temporary relief while you continue physical therapy or exercise.

• Reduce inflammation after injury or strain.

• Confirm whether the facet joints are contributing to chronic back or neck pain.

How the Procedure Works

• Preparation – You’ll lie face down on a padded X-ray table. The skin over the spine is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.

• Image Guidance – Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound, your doctor guides a fine needle into the targeted facet joint.

• Medication Delivery – A small amount of contrast dye confirms placement, followed by a mixture of numbing medicine and a low-dose steroid.

• Observation – You’ll rest for 15–20 minutes before leaving the office.

The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.

What to Expect Afterward

• Mild soreness for a day or two at the injection site is normal.

• Some patients notice immediate numbness or partial relief from the local anesthetic.

• Steroid effects build gradually over 3–5 days and may last weeks to months.

• You can return to light activity the same day; avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours.

Keep a record of how your pain changes after the injection this helps your doctor evaluate the results.

Safety and Risks

Facet joint injections are low-risk when performed under image guidance.

Possible effects include:

• Temporary soreness or bruising

• Mild facial flushing or sleeplessness (from the steroid)

• Rare infection or allergic reaction

Patients on blood thinners may need to pause them under physician supervision before the procedure.

When to See a Specialist

If you have aching low-back or neck pain that worsens when you stand, twist, or lean back, a facet joint injection may both clarify the cause and offer relief.

Our board-certified specialists use fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance for accuracy and safety.