Facet Joint Injections

Facet Joint Injections are minimally invasive treatments designed to relieve pain caused by arthritis or inflammation in the small joints that connect the bones of your spine. These joints—called facet joints—can become irritated or inflamed over time, leading to neck, back, or shoulder pain. By delivering a combination of corticosteroid and anesthetic medication directly into the affected joints, the procedure can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help confirm whether the facet joints are the true source of your discomfort.

Quick facts

  • Setting: Outpatient, image-guided
  • Time: ~20–30 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local with optional light sedation
  • Recovery: Same-day discharge; mild soreness for 1–2 days
  • Duration of relief: Weeks to months; may be repeated as needed

Who it helps

  • Facet joint arthritis or degeneration
  • Chronic neck, mid-back, or low-back pain
  • Pain that worsens when bending backward or twisting
  • Whiplash or post-traumatic neck pain
  • Pain not relieved by medication or physical therapy

How it works

Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located along the back of the spine. When inflamed, they can cause localized or radiating pain. During a facet joint injection, your provider uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to place a fine needle into the affected joint(s). A small amount of anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is injected to reduce inflammation and block pain signals. If pain improves, it also confirms the facet joint as the source of symptoms.

What to expect

  • Before: Your provider will review your medical history and may ask you to hold certain medications prior to the procedure.
  • During: You’ll lie comfortably on your stomach or side. After numbing the skin, the provider advances a thin needle into the facet joint under imaging guidance and injects medication.
  • After: You’ll rest briefly in recovery before going home. Mild soreness or temporary numbness is common. Pain relief may occur within a few days and continue to improve over the next week.

Benefits & risks

Benefits:

  • Directly targets inflammation at the pain source
  • Can provide diagnostic and therapeutic relief
  • Minimally invasive and outpatient-based
  • Improves spinal flexibility and movement

Risks:

  • Temporary soreness or numbness
  • Infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction (rare)
  • Short-term increase in pain before improvement

Is it right for me? (Checklist)

  • ✅ Chronic neck or back pain from arthritis or inflammation
  • ✅ Pain worsens with extension, twisting, or standing
  • ✅ Failed conservative treatments such as medication or therapy
  • ✅ Candidate for diagnostic confirmation before radiofrequency neurotomy

Alternatives at PCET

FAQs

  • When will I feel relief? Many patients experience pain relief within 2–5 days as inflammation decreases.
  • How long does relief last? Relief may last several weeks to months depending on the individual.
  • Can the injection be repeated? Yes—repeat injections can help maintain relief as needed.
  • What if pain returns? If pain relief is temporary but significant, your provider may recommend radiofrequency neurotomy for longer-lasting results.
  • Is it covered by insurance? Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover facet injections when medically necessary.

📞 Call to Schedule

Ready to find out if Facet Joint Injections can help relieve your back or neck pain? Call (865) 579-0552 to schedule your appointment today.