Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Facet joint injections can relieve spinal pain by reducing inflammation in the targeted joints, and most patients tolerate the procedure well with quick return to light activity; common “facet injections side effects” include temporary soreness, bruising, or a short pain flare, while uncommon risks include infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, or nerve irritation, and steroid-related effects (e.g., transient blood sugar elevation or insomnia) are rare and dose‑dependent.

Key Takeaways

• Facet joint injections are used to diagnose and treat spinal pain.
• The procedure involves injecting medication into the facet joints.
• Potential side effects include temporary pain relief and rare but serious complications.
• Understanding the risks and benefits is key to making informed choices.
• Liv Hospital puts patients first and uses treatments backed by science.

Understanding Facet Joint Injections

To grasp the importance of facet joint injections, we must first look at the spine’s anatomy and the role of facet joints. These small joints are found between and behind the vertebrae in the spine. They are key to keeping the spine flexible and stable.

What Are Facet Joints?

Facet joints are special joints that connect vertebrae, allowing for some movement between them. They have a capsule filled with synovial fluid, which reduces bone friction. Keeping these joints healthy is vital for normal spinal function and pain prevention.

When facet joints get inflamed or irritated, they can cause a lot of pain. This pain often comes from degenerative changes, injuries, or strain on the spine. Knowing the condition of facet joints is key to finding the pain’s source and choosing the right treatment.

Lumbar Facet Injections for Lower Back Pain

Lumbar facet injections help diagnose and treat lower back pain from facet joints in the lumbar area. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid into the joint. This can lessen inflammation and pain, and also helps confirm the facet joint as the pain source.

L4-L5 facet injections are common because this area often suffers from degenerative changes and lower back pain. By focusing on the specific joint, doctors can help those with chronic lower back pain.

Cervical Facet Injections for Neck Pain

Cervical facet injections are used for neck pain from facet joints in the cervical spine. The procedure is similar to lumbar facet injections but targets the neck. It helps diagnose and treat neck pain, which can be due to whiplash, degenerative changes, or strain.

By injecting medication into the affected facet joints, doctors can ease pain and improve neck mobility. This can greatly enhance the quality of those with chronic neck pain.

Facet Injections Side Effects: An Overview

Patients need to know about the side effects of facet injections before they decide to get them. These injections are used to help with pain in the neck or lower back. They involve putting medication into the facet joints. While they are usually safe, they can cause side effects that range from mild to severe.

Common vs. Rare Side Effects

Common side effects include soreness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These usually go away within a few days. But there are also rare but serious complications like infection, nerve damage, or allergic reactions to the medication.

Rare complications can have serious effects. This shows why it’s important to be careful and watch for any signs after the procedure.

Risk Factors for Complications

Some things can make complications more likely. For example, having diabetes or a weak immune system can slow healing and increase infection risk. Also, allergies to the medications used in the injections are a big risk factor.

Knowing these risk factors helps both patients and doctors take steps to avoid problems.

5 Common Side Effects After Facet Joint Injections

After facet joint injections, patients might feel several common side effects. These effects are usually short-lived and part of the body’s healing process. Knowing about these side effects can help patients prepare and understand what to expect.

1. Temporary Pain at Injection Site

One common side effect is temporary pain at the injection site. This pain is usually mild and can be eased with over-the-counter pain meds. It usually goes away in a few days as the body heals.

2. Localized Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising at the injection site are also common. These happen because of the needle and the medicine used. Applying ice can help with swelling, and bruising usually fades in a week.

3. Numbness or Tingling Sensations

Some people might feel numbness or tingling around the injection site. These feelings are usually temporary and come from the local anesthetic. They go away once the anesthetic’s effect wears off.

4. Temporary Weakness

Temporary weakness in the muscles near the injection site can also happen. This weakness is usually short-lived and gets better as the steroid’s effect fades and the body adjusts.

To better understand the common side effects, let’s summarize them in the following table:

Pain Worse After Facet Joint Injections: What to Know

Some people feel more pain after facet joint injections. This can be scary, but it’s usually temporary. It’s key to know the difference between normal discomfort and signs of trouble.

Normal Post-Procedure Discomfort

It’s common to feel some pain after these injections. This pain can come from the injection itself or how your body reacts to the medicine. Normal discomfort might include:

• Mild pain at the injection site
• Soreness in the surrounding area
• Temporary stiffness

These symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain meds. They usually go away in a few days. Following your doctor’s care instructions can help you feel better faster.

When Increased Pain Signals a Problem

While some pain is okay, severe or worsening pain might mean a problem. Watch out for these warning signs:

• Severe pain that doesn’t get better with meds
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Weakness in the affected area
• Signs of infection, like fever or redness at the injection site

If you see these signs, call your doctor right away. They can check you out and help you.

Knowing the difference between normal pain and trouble can make your recovery easier. If you’re unsure about your symptoms, always talk to your doctor.

Specific Side Effects of Lumbar Facet Injections

When thinking about lumbar facet injections for back pain, knowing the side effects is key. These injections help with pain from the facet joints in the lower back. While they are mostly safe, they can cause different side effects, mainly in the lumbar area.

L4-L5 Facet Injections Complications

The L4-L5 area is often targeted for facet injections because it’s prone to injury. Problems here can include nerve issues, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs. It’s important for patients to know about these risks before getting L4-L5 facet injections.

Bilateral Lumbar Facet Injection Risks

Bilateral facet injections target both sides of the facet joints at once. This method can be effective for pain on both sides, but it increases the risk of side effects. It’s important to talk about these risks with your doctor.

Lower Back Mobility Issues

Some people might have trouble moving their lower back after facet injections. This could be because of inflammation or muscle soreness. Usually, these issues get better within a few days.

To lower the chance of side effects and get the best results, follow your doctor’s advice closely before and after the procedure.

Cervical Facet Injections Side Effects

When thinking about cervical facet injections for neck pain, knowing the side effects is key. These injections help with neck pain but have risks and benefits. It’s important to weigh these carefully.

Neck Stiffness and Soreness

Neck stiffness and soreness are common after cervical facet injections. This discomfort is usually short-lived and can be eased with over-the-counter pain meds. It often goes away in a few days.

Managing Neck Stiffness: Keeping the neck flexible and avoiding hard activities after the procedure is advised. Gentle stretching and using ice or heat, as suggested, can help with stiffness.

Headaches Following Cervical Facet Blocks

Headaches are another side effect of cervical facet injections. They can be mild to moderate and are often linked to the procedure or the medication used.

• Causes of Headaches: Headaches might come from the injection, the steroid, or other parts of the injection.
• Management: Drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter pain meds as directed can help with headaches.

Dizziness and Balance Issues

Dizziness and balance problems can happen after cervical facet injections. This is often due to nerve irritation or a reaction to the medication.

Talking to your healthcare provider about any worries or side effects is vital before cervical facet injections. Knowing the risks and benefits helps make informed health choices.

5 Rare but Serious Complications

Facet injections can lead to rare but serious complications. We’ll talk about these risks to help you know what to watch for and when to get help.

Infection at Injection Site

Infection is a rare but serious side effect of facet injections. Symptoms include increased pain, redness, swelling, and fever at the injection site. If you notice these signs, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Nerve Damage or Irritation

Nerve damage or irritation can happen due to the needle or the substances used. This might cause numbness, tingling, or ongoing pain. While often temporary, nerve damage can sometimes be permanent.

Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is a rare but serious infection in the joint space. It can happen if bacteria are introduced during the injection. Symptoms include severe joint pain, swelling, and fever. Quick medical treatment is needed to avoid long-term damage.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury is an extremely rare but serious complication. It can result from direct trauma to the spinal cord or from infection. The consequences can be severe and potentially permanent, including paralysis.

It’s important to know about these rare but serious complications. If you experience any unusual symptoms after a facet injection, seek medical attention right away.

Signs of Infection After Facet Joint Injection

Knowing the signs of infection after facet joint injections is key to a smooth recovery. Facet joint injections are safe and effective for pain management. But there’s a risk of infection with any invasive procedure.

After facet joint injections, watch the injection site closely for any bad reactions. Spotting infection signs early can greatly help treatment and prevent serious problems.

Early Warning Symptoms

Be on the lookout for these early signs of infection:

• Increased redness or swelling around the injection site
• Warmth or tenderness to the touch
• Pus or discharge from the injection site
• Elevated body temperature or fever
• Increased pain or discomfort

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away. Acting fast can prevent serious complications.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Severe infections need immediate medical attention. Look for these severe symptoms:

• Severe pain or swelling that gets worse
• High fever (over 101.5°F) or chills
• Redness or swelling that spreads beyond the injection site
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• Signs of sepsis, such as confusion or shortness of breath

If you’re not sure about your symptoms, it’s better to be safe and seek medical advice. Quick treatment can prevent long-term damage and help you recover well.

By watching for infection signs early, you can reduce risks and get the most from facet joint injections. If you have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider.

Allergic Reactions to Facet Injection Components

It’s important to know about the risks of allergic reactions to facet injection parts. Facet injections help manage chronic pain but come with risks. One key risk is allergic reactions to the substances used.

These injections usually include a steroid and an anesthetic. While these are safe for most, some might react. We’ll look at the chance of allergic reactions to steroids and anesthetics.

Steroid-Related Allergic Responses

Steroids in facet injections help reduce inflammation and pain. But some might have allergic reactions. Symptoms can be mild, like redness or itching, or severe, like trouble breathing. Patients need to tell their doctors about any allergies before the procedure.

Anesthetic Agent Sensitivities

Local anesthetics numb the area for the injection. They are mostly safe, but some might be allergic. Symptoms can be mild, like numbness, or severe, like anaphylaxis. Patients should watch for any signs of a bad reaction after the procedure.

In summary, allergic reactions to facet injection parts are rare but important to know. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical history and concerns. This can help lower the risk of an allergic reaction.

Facet Joint Injections Success Rate and Duration

Knowing how well facet joint injections work is key for those thinking about them. These injections can really help people with chronic pain from facet joint syndrome. We’ll look at how effective they are, based on research, and how long the pain relief lasts.

Clinical Research on Effectiveness

Many studies have checked if facet joint injections work. Research shows they can give pain relief for weeks to months. A study in the Journal of Pain Research found that all patients felt better and had less pain after the injections.

Not everyone gets the same results from facet joint injections. But about 50% to 80% of people say they feel a lot better. Why it works for some and not others can depend on many things.

How Long Do Facet Joint Injections Last?

How long the pain relief from facet joint injections lasts can differ a lot. Most people see relief for a few weeks to several months. The shots contain a corticosteroid to reduce swelling and a local anesthetic for quick pain relief.

Factors Affecting Treatment Success

Several things can affect how well facet joint injections work. These include:

• The accuracy of the injection placement
• The severity of the facet joint condition
• Patient’s overall health and presence of comorbidities
• Previous treatments and their outcomes

By knowing these factors and talking to their doctor, patients can have better ideas about what to expect from facet joint injections.

Minimizing Risks and Managing Side Effects

To have a safe and effective facet injection, knowing how to minimize risks and manage side effects is key. Being informed and ready can greatly lower the chance of problems. It also improves how well the treatment works.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Getting ready for facet injections is very important. This means:

• Telling your doctor about any medicines you’re taking, like blood thinners.
• Sharing any allergies or sensitivities, like to steroids or anesthetics.
• Talking about your medical history, including past surgeries or conditions.
• Knowing what the procedure is and what to expect before and after.

Pre-procedure preparation checklist

Post-Procedure Care Guidelines

After the facet injection, it’s important to follow care guidelines. This helps avoid risks and manage side effects. This includes:

• Rest for the rest of the day and avoid hard activities.
• Using ice on the injection site to lessen swelling.
• Watching for signs of infection or severe side effects.
• See your doctor as they suggest.

By following these guidelines and talking openly with your healthcare provider, you can lower risks. This makes your treatment more effective.

Conclusion: Balancing Benefits and Risks of Facet Injections

Facet injections can help people with chronic back or neck pain find relief. But they also have risks and side effects. We’ve looked at the good and bad sides of facet joint injections, including their benefits and possible side effects.

It’s important to think about the good and bad when considering facet injections. Patients need to know about the possible side effects. These can range from mild pain at the injection site to serious issues like infection or nerve damage.

To lower risks, patients should follow their doctor’s advice before and after the procedure. This means watching for signs of infection, managing pain, and going to follow-up appointments. By doing this, patients can get the most out of facet injections and avoid bad effects.

In the end, facet injections can be a good choice for chronic pain sufferers. By understanding the benefits and risks and working with a healthcare provider, patients can find relief and improve their quality.

FAQ

Reference:

Eseonu, K., et al. (2021). A review of the clinical utility of therapeutic facet joint injections for chronic spinal pain. Journal of Pain Research, 14, 2063-2080. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9200415/