Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Facet joint injections can ease spinal pain for many patients, but it’s important to understand common issues and how to manage them; typical “side effects from facet joint injections” include brief soreness, bruising, swelling, or a short pain flare that settles within 24–48 hours, while uncommon complications include infection, bleeding, allergic reactions to anesthetic, steroid or contrast, and rare nerve irritation.
Key Takeaways
- Facet joint injections can cause minor and transient complications.
- Understanding possible complications helps patients prepare.
- Liv Hospital offers patient-centered care and guidance.
- Expert advice is available for managing complications.
- Being informed is key to confident care.
Understanding Facet Joint Injections and Their Purpose
Facet joint injections are a common treatment for pain in the spine. They help manage chronic pain that doesn’t get better with other treatments.
What Are Facet Joint Injections?
These injections mix a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid into the facet joint. The anesthetic numbs the area, and the corticosteroid reduces swelling.
Types of Facet Joint Injections: Lumbar, Cervical, and Thoracic
These injections can be done in the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic spine areas. The choice depends on where the pain is.
| Type of Injection | Region of the Spine | Common Use |
| Lumbar Facet Injection | Lower back | Relieving lower back pain |
| Cervical Facet Injection | Neck | Alleviating neck pain |
| Thoracic Facet Injection | Mid-back | Managing mid-back pain |
How Facet Joint Injections Work to Relieve Pain
These injections reduce inflammation in the facet joints. These joints are key to spinal movement. By lessening inflammation, they can greatly reduce pain and improve movement.
Common Side Effects from Facet Joint Injections: An Overview
Facet joint injections can help with pain, but knowing the side effects is key. They are often used for people with facet joint syndrome.
Immediate vs. Delayed Side Effects
Side effects from facet joint injections can happen right away or later. Immediate effects show up soon after, while delayed ones may take hours or days. Knowing this helps manage expectations and spot problems early.
Right after the shot, you might feel pain, swelling, or numbness where it was given. These usually go away quickly. But delayed effects can make your pain worse or bring new symptoms.
Frequency and Severity of Common Reactions
How often and how bad the side effects are can differ for everyone. You might feel pain, swelling, bruising, or numbness. Most of these are mild and don’t last long, but some people might have it worse.
Many things can affect how bad side effects are. This includes the type of injection, where it’s given, and your health.
Who Is Most Susceptible to Side Effects
Some people might be more likely to have side effects because of their health, age, or other reasons. For example, people with diabetes should watch their blood sugar after getting corticosteroid shots.
Also, those who have allergies or sensitivities might be more at risk. It’s important to talk about your health and any worries with your doctor before the procedure.
Localized Pain and Discomfort After Injection
After facet joint injections, some people might feel pain or discomfort in the treated area. This is usually short-lived and can be handled with the right care.
Injection Site Pain and Tenderness
Facet joint injections can cause pain or tenderness at the injection site. This feeling is often mild to moderate, similar to a bruise or soreness.
Key factors influencing injection site pain include:
- The technique used for the injection
- The individual’s pain threshold
- The specific location of the injection
Temporary Worsening of Existing Pain
Some people might see their pain get worse temporarily after facet joint injections. This can be a bit scary, but it’s usually just a short-term reaction.
Reasons for temporary worsening of pain:
- Irritation of the facet joint or surrounding tissues
- Reaction to the injected medication
- Stress or strain on the treated area
Effective Pain Management Strategies
It’s important to manage pain well after facet joint injections for a smooth recovery. We suggest using a mix of the following:
- Applying ice to reduce inflammation
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Engaging in gentle stretching and movement
Using these methods can help patients manage pain and discomfort better. This makes it easier to get back to normal activities sooner.
Swelling, Bruising, and Skin Changes
After a facet joint injection, swelling, bruising, or skin changes are common. These reactions are usually short-lived and can differ from person to person.
Normal vs. Abnormal Swelling Patterns
Swelling at the injection site is a common side effect. Normal swelling is mild and goes away in a few days. But abnormal swelling could mean a serious problem like infection or an allergic reaction.
- Mild swelling that goes away in 3-5 days is normal.
- Swelling with redness, warmth, or pus might be an infection.
- Severe swelling that gets worse or has other symptoms needs quick medical help.
Bruising Around the Injection Site
Bruising can happen after facet joint injections due to bleeding. The bruising’s severity can vary, and it usually fades in a week or two.
- Apply ice to the area to lessen bruising and swelling.
- Keep the area up to reduce blood flow and aid healing.
- Avoid hard activities that could make bruising worse.
Skin Discoloration and Sensitivity
Skin discoloration and sensitivity can happen after facet joint injections. These changes are usually short-term and might be due to the injection or the corticosteroid used.
Some people might have skin sensitivity or allergic reactions to the injection’s medications. If you see unusual skin changes, like rashes or severe color changes, contact your healthcare provider.
Neurological Reactions: Numbness, Weakness, and Headaches
Some people may feel numbness or headaches after facet joint injections. These feelings can be scary, but knowing what causes them can help ease your mind.
Temporary Numbness and Tingling Sensations
Numbness and tingling are common side effects. They usually go away in a few days.
Muscle Weakness Following the Procedure
Some people might feel weaker after the injection. This could be because of the injection or the medicine used.
This weakness is usually short-lived. But if it lasts, talk to your doctor about it.
Post-Procedure Headaches and Dizziness
Headaches can happen after facet joint injections. They can be mild or very bad and might make you feel dizzy.
Drinking water and resting can help. But if your headaches are bad or don’t go away, see a doctor.
When to Contact Your Doctor About Neurological Symptoms
Most symptoms after facet joint injections are temporary. But sometimes, you need to see a doctor.
| Symptom | When to Seek Medical Attention |
| Numbness or Tingling | If it persists beyond a week or worsens |
| Muscle Weakness | If significant or interferes with daily activities |
| Headaches or Dizziness | If severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms |
It’s key to follow up with your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms.
Systemic Side Effects from Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid injections are used to treat facet joint pain. They can offer relief but come with risks. It’s important for patients to know these risks.
Elevated Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetic Patients
Diabetic patients need to watch their blood sugar after corticosteroid injections. These injections can raise blood sugar levels. This is because they increase glucose in the liver and lower insulin sensitivity.
Management of Blood Sugar: Diabetics should check their blood sugar often. They might need to adjust their diabetes meds to keep it in check.
Facial Flushing and Hot Flashes
Some people get facial flushing or hot flashes after these injections. These symptoms are usually short-lived but can be uncomfortable.
Duration of Symptoms: Facial flushing and hot flashes usually go away in a few days. Drinking plenty of water and staying cool can help.
Immunosuppression Concerns
Corticosteroids weaken the immune system, raising the risk of infections. People with weak immune systems or on immunosuppressants should talk to their doctor about risks.
Bone Density Reduction with Repeated Injections
Getting corticosteroid injections often can weaken bones. This is a concern for those getting many injections over time. It can lead to osteoporosis.
Mitigating Bone Density Loss: If you’re getting many injections, talk to your doctor about protecting your bones. They might suggest calcium and vitamin D supplements or other medications.
| Systemic Side Effect | Description | Management |
| Elevated Blood Sugar | Increase in blood glucose levels | Monitor blood sugar, adjust diabetes medication |
| Facial Flushing/Hot Flashes | Temporary flushing or feeling hot | Stay hydrated, maintain a cool environment |
| Immunosuppression | Increased risk of infections | Discuss risks with healthcare provider, monitor for infections |
| Bone Density Reduction | Potential for osteoporosis with repeated injections | Calcium and vitamin D supplements, bone-protective medications |
Region-Specific Complications and Risks
When we talk about facet joint injections, it’s important to look at the risks in different parts of the spine. Lumbar, cervical, and thoracic facet injections each have their own challenges and side effects.
Lumbar Facet Injection Side Effects
Lumbar facet injections help with lower back pain. They are usually safe but can cause some side effects. These include pain or discomfort at the injection site and, rarely, nerve damage or infection.
Some people get bilateral lumbar facet injection side effects. This means both sides of the lower back are treated at once. It might raise the risk of more pain or stiffness in the lower back.
| Potential Side Effects | Frequency | Management |
| Pain at the injection site | Common | Over-the-counter pain relievers |
| Nerve damage | Rare | Medical evaluation and possible intervention |
| Infection | Rare | Antibiotics and medical monitoring |
Cervical Facet Injection Complications
Cervical facet injections are for the neck area. They can have serious risks, like vertebral artery injury. This is rare but can be very serious.
Other side effects include neck pain, swelling, and headaches or dizziness. It’s key for patients to talk about these risks with their doctor.
Thoracic Facet Injection Considerations
Thoracic facet injections help with mid-back pain. They are usually safe but can cause side effects. These include pain at the injection site and, rarely, a collapsed lung.
People getting thoracic facet injections should watch for breathing problems. A collapsed lung is a serious issue that needs quick medical help.
Knowing the specific risks of facet joint injections helps both patients and doctors. It helps them make better treatment choices and reduce risks.
Recognizing and Responding to Serious Complications
Though rare, serious issues can happen after facet joint injections. It’s key to spot them early. These injections help manage pain from the spine’s facet joints. While safe, there are risks.
Signs of Infection After Facet Joint Injection
Infection is a possible side effect. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, fever, and severe pain at the site. If you notice these, call your doctor right away.
Watching the injection site and your overall health is important. Catching an infection early can help treatment work better and avoid more problems.
Allergic Reactions to Injection Components
Allergic reactions to the injection’s parts, like corticosteroids or local anesthetics, can happen. Symptoms include hives, itching, swelling, trouble breathing, or a fast heartbeat. If you see these signs, get medical help fast.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Knowing when to get emergency care is vital. Severe symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, severe headache, or numbness/weakness in limbs need immediate help.
Also, watch for signs of spinal cord injury or infection, like severe pain, fever, or loss of bladder/bowel control. These are emergencies that need quick action.
Follow-up Care After Experiencing Complications
If you face complications after the injection, getting follow-up care is critical. Your doctor might change your treatment plan or provide extra care.
Follow-up appointments help your doctor check on your recovery and handle any issues. Sticking to the follow-up schedule is important for the best results.
Conclusion: Balancing Benefits and Risks of Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections are a helpful treatment for chronic pain. They work well for many, with up to 80 percent finding relief. This makes them a valuable option for managing pain.
But it’s important to weigh the good and bad sides of these injections. Knowing the possible side effects is key. These can include pain, swelling, and nerve issues.
Patients and doctors need to work together. This way, they can lower risks and get the most benefit. This teamwork is essential for the best results and a better life for those getting injections.
Choosing to get facet joint injections should be a careful decision. It’s about understanding the benefits and risks. Knowing the success rate and possible problems helps make the right choice for each person.
FAQ
What are the common side effects of facet joint injections?
Side effects include pain and discomfort at the site, swelling, and bruising. You might also see skin changes or feel numbness, weakness, and headaches.
How long do facet joint injections last?
Relief from facet joint injections can last weeks to months. It depends on the person and their condition.
Are there any serious complications associated with facet joint injections?
Yes, serious issues like infection, allergic reactions, and nerve damage can happen. It’s important to watch for these signs and get help fast.
Can facet joint injections cause systemic side effects?
Yes, the steroids in facet joint injections can affect your whole body. This includes high blood sugar, facial flushing, and weakened immunity. Repeated use can also lower bone density.
What are the risks associated with lumbar facet injections?
Lumbar facet injections can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. You might also experience nerve reactions. Talk to your doctor about these risks.
How can I manage pain after a facet joint injection?
To manage pain, try ice or heat, over-the-counter meds, and rest. Follow your doctor’s post-procedure advice too.
What are the signs of infection after a facet joint injection?
Signs of infection include more pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage. Fever or chills are also warning signs. Seek medical help if you notice these.
Can I experience allergic reactions to facet joint injections?
Yes, you can have allergic reactions to the injection’s components. Symptoms range from mild to severe, like rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.
How soon should I seek medical attention if I experience complications?
If you see signs of infection, severe allergic reactions, or other serious issues, get emergency help right away.
What is the success rate of facet joint injections?
Success rates vary based on the person, their condition, and other factors. Talk to your doctor to understand what to expect.
Are there any long-term effects of repeated facet joint injections?
Repeated steroid injections can weaken bones over time. Consider this when planning your treatment.
Reference:
Al-Najjim, M., & Aydin, S. (2017). Lumbar facet joint injection in treating low back pain: A systematic review. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5686472/ PMC
