FACET JOINT INJECTIONS

Facet joint injections are used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints — the small joints located between the vertebrae in the spine. These joints help provide stability and flexibility to the spine. Inflammation or degeneration of these joints can cause localized pain in the neck, mid-back, or lower back, often radiating into the limbs. The procedure involves injecting a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid into the affected facet joint to reduce pain and inflammation.

 

Conditions Treated

Facet Joint Syndrome: Degeneration or inflammation of the facet joints due to aging, arthritis, or injury can cause localized spinal pain, often felt in the neck, upper back, or lower back.

Osteoarthritis: The breakdown of cartilage in the facet joints can lead to pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back.

Spondylosis: This age-related degeneration of the spine, including the facet joints, can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.

How the Procedure Works

Preparation

The patient is positioned face down (for lumbar or thoracic facet joints) or face up (for cervical facet joints), and the injection site is numbed with a local anesthetic.

Fluoroscopic Guidance

The physician uses fluoroscopy to locate the specific facet joint responsible for the pain. This imaging ensures that the needle is precisely placed into the joint.

Injection

Once the needle is properly positioned in the facet joint, the physician injects a mixture of:

  • A local anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief.
  • A corticosteroid to reduce inflammation within the joint and provide longer-lasting relief.

Diagnostic Role

Sometimes, facet joint injections are used diagnostically. If the injection relieves the patient’s pain, it confirms that the facet joint is the source of the pain. This information can guide further treatment.

Duration & Relief

Pain relief may begin almost immediately due to the local anesthetic, but longer-lasting relief from the steroid can take a few days to fully take effect. The relief can last anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to the treatment.

BENEFITS OF FACET JOINT INJECTIONS

Pain Reduction

Facet joint injections provide both short-term pain relief (from the anesthetic) and long-term relief (from the corticosteroid).

Diagnosis

Facet joint injections can help confirm that the facet joints are the source of pain, allowing physicians to better target future treatments.

Non-Surgical

Like ESIs, facet joint injections offer a minimally invasive way to manage chronic back or neck pain without the need for surgery.

Risks & Considerations

Infection: As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site.

Bleeding: Minor bleeding or bruising can occur at the injection site.

Temporary Pain Increase: Some patients may experience a temporary increase in pain after the procedure.

Nerve Damage: Rarely, nerve damage can occur if the needle inadvertently contacts a nerve.

Follow-Up Procedures

Medial Branch Blocks: If facet joint injections provide only temporary relief, physicians may perform medial branch blocks, which target the nerves that supply the facet joints. If successful, a longer-lasting procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be used to disrupt the pain signals from the facet joint nerves.

Find Relief From Chronic Back Pain!

Facet joint injections offer a targeted, minimally invasive solution for reducing spinal pain and improving mobility. If you’re experiencing neck, mid-back, or lower back discomfort, contact Dr. Aleks today to find out how these injections can help you get back to your daily life with less pain.

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