Facet Joint Injections

“Facet joint injections are used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the small joints in the spine. These joints can become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or wear and tear, leading to localized back or neck pain. By delivering medication directly into the affected joint, this procedure can help reduce inflammation, improve movement, and guide further treatment decisions when needed.”

-Dr. Anatoly Pisman, MD

What are Facet Joints?

Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between each vertebra in the spine. They allow for movement such as bending and twisting while helping maintain spinal alignment. Over time, these joints can become irritated or arthritic, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck or back.

Facet joint injections target these joints directly to help reduce inflammation and identify whether they are the source of a patient’s pain.

Conditions Treated

Facet joint injections are commonly recommended for patients whose pain appears to originate from the small joints of the spine rather than discs or nerves. This type of pain is often localized and may worsen with certain movements such as bending backward, twisting, or prolonged standing. In many cases, symptoms develop gradually due to age-related degeneration, repetitive strain, or underlying arthritis affecting the facet joints.

These injections can help both confirm the source of pain and provide targeted relief when other conservative treatments have not been sufficient.

How Facet Joint Injections Work

During the procedure, a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid medication is injected into or near the facet joint. The anesthetic provides temporary pain relief, while the steroid works to reduce inflammation over time.

Imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy is typically used to ensure accurate placement of the injection. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and is minimally invasive.

When Facet Joint Injections Are Recommended

Facet joint injections are often considered when pain is suspected to originate from the spine’s facet joints and has not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or activity modification.

They may also be used as a diagnostic tool to confirm whether the facet joints are the primary source of pain, helping guide further treatment options.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Patients are usually monitored briefly after the injection and can return home the same day. Some may experience immediate relief from the anesthetic, while the steroid component may take several days to reach full effect.

Temporary soreness at the injection site is possible but typically resolves quickly. Most patients can resume normal activities within a short period, following provider guidance.

Benefits of Facet Joint Injections

Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive treatment used to diagnose and relieve back and neck pain caused by inflamed or arthritic facet joints, helping improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

What to Expect at Your Visit

During your evaluation, your symptoms, physical examination findings, and any prior imaging will be reviewed to determine whether facet joints may be contributing to your pain. If appropriate, a personalized treatment plan will be developed, which may include facet joint injections along with other interventional or rehabilitative therapies.