Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Are you looking for a way to ease spine pain? Learning about facet joint injections could be your first step to feeling better. At Liv Hospital, we focus on you and use the latest in spine care, backed by science.
Facet joint injections are a simple, non-surgical procedure. They’re usually done in a day clinic, so you can stay awake and go home the same day. This treatment puts medicine into or around the facet joints to reduce pain and swelling.
Learn how to get facet shots for back pain relief with a step-by-step procedure guide.
Key Takeaways
- Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure for spine pain relief.
- These injections involve administering anesthetic and corticosteroid medication.
- The procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting.
- Patients remain awake and can return home the same day.
- Facet joint injections can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Understanding Facet Joint Pain and Its Causes
The facet joints in our spine are key for its flexibility and stability. But when they get problematic, it can cause a lot of pain. Facet joint pain is a common issue that affects millions, leading to discomfort and impairment.
Studies show that facet joint problems are behind up to 45% of chronic lower back pain. They also cause about 48% of mid-back pain and up to 67% of neck pain. Knowing about facet joint pain is important for diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Facet Joint Problems
Facet joint issues can show up in different ways, based on where and how severe the problem is. Symptoms include pain in the neck or back, stiffness, and less mobility. Sometimes, facet joint problems can also cause numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
Let’s look at the symptoms of facet joint pain:
| Symptom | Description | Common Location |
| Localized Pain | Pain directly over the affected joint | Neck or Lower Back |
| Stiffness | Reduced flexibility and stiffness in the affected area | Mid-back or Lumbar Region |
| Referred Pain | Pain radiating to other areas, such as shoulders or buttocks | Varies depending on the joint affected |
Conditions That May Benefit from Facet Joint Treatment
Facet joint injections are great for diagnosing and treating pain from arthritis or spine injuries. Conditions like degenerative facet joint disease, facet syndrome, and spinal arthritis can greatly benefit from facet joint treatment.
Degenerative facet joint disease and facet syndrome are conditions that can cause chronic pain. They often respond well to facet joint injections. By knowing the cause of the pain, doctors can give targeted treatment. This might reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
What Are Facet Shots? An Overview of the Procedure
Facet joint injections, also known as facet shots, are a non-surgical treatment. They involve injecting medicine into the facet joint to lessen pain and swelling. This method is used to find and treat pain in the spine’s facet joints.
Types of Facet Joint Injections
There are two main types of facet joint injections: intra-articular facet injections and medial branch blocks. Intra-articular facet injections put medicine right into the facet joint. Medial branch blocks, on the other hand, target the nerves that supply the facet joints. The choice depends on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s goals.
How Facet Injections Provide Pain Relief
Facet injections help by putting medicine right where it hurts. The solution includes a local anesthetic for quick pain relief and a corticosteroid to fight inflammation for longer. Intra-articular facet injections use imaging to make sure the medicine is placed correctly, ensuring it works well.
Medications Used in Facet Joint Procedures
The medicines in facet joint injections are a mix of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid. The local anesthetic numbs the area for quick relief. The corticosteroid fights inflammation for longer pain relief. The exact medicines and amounts depend on the patient’s needs and the doctor’s advice.
When to Consider Getting a Facet Joint Injection
If you’re not getting better with usual treatments, think about facet joint injections. Doctors might suggest them if you have bad back pain that doesn’t go away with therapy, medicine, rest, or changes in your life for a few months.
Medical Conditions That Respond Well to Facet Injections
Facet joint injections work well for some health issues. Facet joint injections lower back and lumbar facet joint injections help many people. They’re good for facet joint syndrome, degenerative facet joint disease, and facet joint arthritis.
| Condition | Description | Response to Facet Injections |
| Facet Joint Syndrome | Characterized by pain and inflammation in the facet joints | Often shows significant improvement |
| Degenerative Facet Joint Disease | Involves wear and tear on the facet joints, leading to pain | Frequently responds well to injections |
| Facet Joint Arthritis | Inflammation and degeneration of the facet joints | Can experience substantial pain relief |
When Conservative Treatments Aren’t Enough
If usual treatments don’t help, facet joint injections might be a good choice. Conservative treatments include therapy, medicine, and lifestyle changes. If these don’t work, injections could be the next step.
Talking to a healthcare professional is key. They’ll check your condition, medical history, and treatments to see if injections are right for you.
Finding the Right Specialist for Your Facet Joint Procedure
Choosing the right specialist for a facet joint injection is key for a good outcome. These injections, like paravertebral facet joint injections and diagnostic facet injections, need skill and precision. They help diagnose and treat pain from facet joints.
It’s important to know what to look for in a healthcare provider. We’ll help you find the right specialist for your facet joint procedure.
Qualifications to Look For
A good specialist for facet joint injections should have certain qualifications. Here are some important ones:
- Board certification in a relevant specialty like pain management, anesthesiology, or physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Experience in doing facet joint injections, including paravertebral facet joint injections.
- Knowledge of the latest pain management techniques and technologies.
- Good patient reviews and testimonials.
Also, ask your primary care doctor for recommendations. They often know trusted specialists.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
When you find specialists, ask them the right questions. This ensures you’re in good hands. Here are some questions to consider:
| Question | Why It Matters |
| What experience do you have with facet joint injections? | To see how skilled and successful they are. |
| What diagnostic tools do you use to confirm facet joint pain? | To know their diagnosis approach and if they use advanced imaging. |
| What are the possible risks and side effects of the procedure? | To understand what to expect and any precautions needed. |
By asking these questions and knowing your provider’s qualifications, you can make a smart choice. Remember, a successful facet joint injection starts with the right specialist.
Preparing for Your Facet Joint Injection Appointment
Getting ready for a facet joint injection is key. It involves medical checks and changes to your meds. We know it can feel overwhelming, but with the right help, you’ll feel more ready.
Medical Evaluations and Tests
We’ll do medical checks before your injection. This ensures the procedure is safe for you. These might include looking at your medical history, a physical check, and tests like X-rays or MRIs.
These steps help us figure out what’s causing your pain. They also help us decide if an injection is right for you. Sometimes, we use special injections to find the exact pain spots.
Medication Adjustments Before the Procedure
Tell us about all your meds, including blood thinners. We might ask you to stop them before the procedure. This is to avoid bleeding problems. We’ll give you clear instructions on your meds.
On the day, you’ll lie down on a table, usually face-down for a low back injection. The facet joint injection needle is guided by imaging to place it just right. For lumbar facet joint injections, we use X-ray guidance.
What to Bring on the Day of Your Appointment
Bring your medical records, a list of your meds, and someone to drive you home. Wearing comfy clothes helps too.
| Item to Bring | Description |
| Medical Records | Any relevant documents or test results |
| Medication List | A detailed list of your current medications and dosages |
| Driver/Companion | Someone who can drive you home after the procedure |
| Comfortable Clothing | Loose clothing that allows easy access to the injection site |
For facet injection neck procedures, follow your doctor’s specific instructions closely. Preparation might differ slightly.
The Step-by-Step Facet Joint Injection Procedure
A facet joint injection is a simple procedure to help with spinal pain. It targets the facet joints, small stabilizing joints between vertebrae. When these joints get inflamed, they can cause a lot of pain.
Initial Positioning and Preparation
You start by lying on your stomach on an X-ray table. Our team will find the right spot on your spine using scans. They clean the area with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. This makes sure you’re comfortable during the procedure.
Imaging Guidance Techniques
We use imaging like fluoroscopy or CT scans to guide the injection. These tools let us see the needle’s path in real-time. This ensures the injection goes exactly where it should.
A study on the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows imaging makes injections more accurate.
Needle Placement and Medication Delivery
After finding the right joint, a thin needle is inserted. A mix of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is then injected. The anesthetic gives quick pain relief, and the corticosteroid helps with inflammation over time.
What to Expect During the Injection
You might feel a slight pinch when the needle goes in. Our team will keep an eye on your comfort and adjust as needed. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many joints are treated.
After, you’ll be watched for a bit to see if you have any immediate reactions.
Facet joint injections are a great option for those with facet joint pain. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and look forward to the benefits.
Facet Shots for Different Spinal Regions
Facet joint injections are a versatile treatment option for various spinal regions. These injections can provide relief for patients suffering from chronic pain in different parts of their spine.
Lumbar Facet Joint Injections for Lower Back Pain
Lumbar facet joint injections have shown positive results in treating lower back pain. The lumbar facet joints bear a significant portion of the body’s weight. They absorb impact from sitting, lifting, and twisting. By injecting medication into these joints, we can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Facet Injection Neck Procedures for Cervical Pain
Facet injection neck procedures are used to treat cervical pain originating from the facet joints in the neck. These injections can help diagnose and treat conditions such as cervical spondylosis and whiplash injuries. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid into the affected joint to reduce pain and inflammation.
Thoracic Facet Joint Treatments
Thoracic facet joint treatments are less common than lumbar or cervical injections but are equally effective in managing mid-back pain. The thoracic spine is less mobile than the lumbar or cervical regions. Facet joint pain can occur due to injury or degenerative changes. These injections can provide significant relief for patients with thoracic facet syndrome.
| Spinal Region | Common Causes of Pain | Treatment Approach |
| Lumbar | Lower back strain, degenerative disc disease | Lumbar facet joint injections |
| Cervical | Neck strain, whiplash, cervical spondylosis | Facet injection neck procedures |
| Thoracic | Mid-back strain, degenerative changes | Thoracic facet joint treatments |
By understanding the specific needs of each spinal region, we can tailor facet joint injections to provide effective pain relief.
Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Facet Injections: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to know the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic facet injections for pain management. These injections help with pain from facet joints. They can be used for diagnosis or treatment, or both.
How Diagnostic Facet Injections Work
Diagnostic facet injections find the source of pain. A local anesthetic is injected into a facet joint. This helps doctors see if the joint is causing the pain.
If the pain goes away after the injection, it means the joint is the pain source. This method is great when tests like MRI or CT scans show many possible pain sources. It helps doctors find the exact pain source for better treatment plans.
Therapeutic Benefits of Facet Joint Treatments
Therapeutic facet injections aim to relieve pain. They mix a local anesthetic with a corticosteroid and inject it into the joint. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation, leading to long-term pain relief.
These injections can greatly help patients who haven’t found relief with other treatments. They reduce inflammation and numb the pain. This improves life quality and lets patients do their usual activities again.
Using Facet Injections to Guide Treatment Decisions
Facet injections are also key in deciding treatments. If a diagnostic injection finds the pain source, it guides more specific treatments. This could be radiofrequency ablation or physical therapy for the affected area.
Also, how well a patient responds to a diagnostic injection can show if more invasive treatments will work. If a patient feels a lot of relief, it suggests that treatments targeting the same joint could be effective.
Recovery and Aftercare Following Facet Joint Injections
After a facet joint injection, taking care of yourself is key. You’ll rest in a recovery area where doctors watch you. This helps them catch any quick reactions to the injection.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
Right after the injection, follow your doctor’s aftercare tips closely. You might not be able to get wet for a day or two to avoid infection. Keep the injection site clean and dry to help it heal.
Some people might feel a bit sore where the injection was given. This can often be eased with over-the-counter pain meds. Always take the medication your doctor tells you to.
Activity Restrictions and Recommendations
It’s best to start getting back to normal slowly. But, there are some things you should avoid at first. Here are some important tips:
- Avoid heavy lifting or bending for at least 24 hours.
- Don’t do strenuous activities, like exercise, for a day or two.
- Don’t drive or use heavy machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy.
Having someone with you when you go home is a good idea. You might feel a bit off balance.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Even though facet joint injections are usually safe, watch out for certain signs. If you see:
- More pain or swelling at the injection site.
- Fever or chills, which could mean an infection.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs.
- Severe headache or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels.
By following these tips and knowing when to call your doctor, you can have a safe and easy recovery after your facet joint injection.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Facet Joint Procedures
It’s important to know the risks and side effects of facet joint injections before you decide on treatment. These injections are usually safe, but there are possible side effects to be aware of.
Common Side Effects to Expect
Most people do well with facet joint injections, but some might feel minor side effects. These can include pain or discomfort at the injection site, mild bruising, or swelling. Some might also feel a temporary increase in pain before it gets better.
Rare but Serious Complications
Though rare, serious complications from facet joint injections can happen. A large study found major complications in only 8 cases out of nearly 12,000 injections. Serious issues can include infection, nerve damage, or an allergic reaction to the medication.
Managing Discomfort After the Procedure
To handle any discomfort after the procedure, try these steps. Apply ice to the injection site, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed, and rest. Also, avoid strenuous activities for a short time after the injection.
| Common Side Effects | Management Tips |
| Temporary pain or discomfort | Apply ice, take over-the-counter pain medication |
| Mild bruising or swelling | Apply ice, monitor for resolution |
| Temporary increase in pain | Rest, consider additional pain management strategies |
By knowing the possible risks and side effects, patients can prepare better for the procedure and recovery. This helps ensure the best results.
Conclusion: What to Expect After Your Facet Joint Injection
Facet shots are a gentle way to ease pain by focusing on the spine’s small joints. After getting a facet joint injection, you might feel less pain. This can help you move better and live a fuller life.
The pain relief from a successful injection can last weeks to months. This gives you a break from pain and discomfort.
Facet joint injections are a good choice for many spinal problems. Knowing about the procedure and its benefits can help you decide. If you’re thinking about facet joint injections, talk to a healthcare expert to see if it’s right for you.
Managing pain well is key to staying active. Many people find a lot of relief from facet joint injections. This lets them do things they love. We suggest looking into this treatment and talking to your doctor about it.
FAQ
What is a facet joint injection?
A facet joint injection is a small procedure. It involves putting medicine into the spine’s facet joints. This helps ease pain and swelling.
What are the benefits of facet joint injections?
These injections can help with long-term pain. They also reduce swelling and find the pain’s source.
Are facet joint injections painful?
You might feel some discomfort during the procedure. But, it’s usually mild because it’s done under local anesthesia.
How long does a facet joint injection take?
It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. This depends on how complex the case is and how many injections are needed.
What are the different types of facet joint injections?
There are two main types. Diagnostic injections find the pain’s source. Therapeutic injections use medicine to relieve pain.
How long does the pain relief from facet joint injections last?
Pain relief can last weeks to months. It varies from person to person.
Can I have facet joint injections if I’m taking blood thinners?
Tell your doctor about any medications you’re on. This includes blood thinners. They might need to adjust your treatment.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with facet joint injections?
Like any procedure, there are risks. These include infection, bleeding, and temporary numbness or weakness.
Can I resume normal activities after a facet joint injection?
You can usually go back to normal activities in a day or two. But, always follow your doctor’s advice.
How many facet joint injections can I have?
The number of injections depends on your condition and how you respond. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Are facet joint injections covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover these injections. But, check with your provider to confirm and understand any costs.
Can facet joint injections be used for neck pain?
Yes, they can help with neck pain. This is due to problems in the cervical spine’s facet joints.
What is the difference between a facet joint injection and a steroid injection?
A facet joint injection might include steroids. But, not all steroid injections target the facet joints. The key difference is where the medicine is injected.
References:
- Manchikanti, L., et al. (2020). Comprehensive evidence-based guidelines for facet joint interventions in managing chronic spinal pain. Pain Physician, 23(3), E189-E246.
