Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Chronic lower back pain can really get in the way of daily life. For many, lumbar facet joint injections are a ray of hope. At Liv Hospital, we know how key accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are.

A facet joint block is a small procedure to find and treat chronic pain from the facet joints. It’s great for those with ongoing lower back pain.

We’re all about your safety, comfort, and getting better. Our team follows the latest methods for precise and lasting relief. Knowing what to expect can make you feel less anxious and better prepared.

Key Takeaways

• Lumbar facet joint injections are used to diagnose and treat chronic lower back pain.
• The procedure is minimally invasive, which means a quicker recovery time.
• At Liv Hospital, patient-centered care is our top priority.
• Our team is dedicated to your safety, comfort, and recovery.
• Understanding the procedure can help reduce anxiety and improve outcomes.

Understanding Lumbar Facet Joint Pain

It’s important to know how lumbar facet joints work to treat pain. These joints, also called Z-joints, help our spine move. They let us twist and bend.

Located in the lower back, these joints can get inflamed or develop arthritis. This causes pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs. They help our spine move and stay stable.

Anatomy of Facet Joints in the Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine has five vertebrae, each with a disc in between. Facet joints support these vertebrae. They are special joints that help bones move smoothly.

Key features of facet joints include:

• Articular cartilage covering the joint surfaces
• A synovial membrane lining the joint capsule
• Ligaments provide additional support

Common Causes of Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint pain can come from many sources. This includes wear and tear, injuries, or inflammation. Some common reasons are:

Knowing about facet joint pain helps doctors find the right treatments. This includes injections to help manage pain and improve life quality.

What is a Facet Joint Block?

A facet joint block is a medical procedure. It involves injecting medication into the facet joints to diagnose or treat pain. For those with facet joint pain, it’s a minimally invasive treatment with great benefits.

Definition and Purpose

A facet joint block, or facet injection, delivers local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication into or around the facet joint. Its main goal is to either find the pain’s source or treat it. This is done by reducing inflammation and easing pressure on the nerves around the facet joints.

Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Benefits

Facet joint blocks have both diagnostic and therapeutic uses. They help find if the facet joints cause pain by seeing how the patient reacts to the anesthetic. They also treat pain by injecting steroids, which can offer long-term relief by reducing inflammation. This makes facet joint blocks a key tool in managing chronic back pain.

Types of Medications Used

The medications in facet joint blocks usually include a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid. The local anesthetic gives quick pain relief to help find the pain’s source. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation, providing long-term pain relief. Whether or not to use steroids depends on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s advice.

When is a Lumbar Facet Joint Block Recommended?

A lumbar facet joint block is a treatment for lower back pain. It’s used for specific symptoms and conditions.

Symptoms That May Indicate Facet Joint Problems

Facet joint problems show up in different ways. You might feel pain in your lower back, stiffness, or pain in your buttocks or thighs. Pain often gets worse when you twist or extend your spine.

Conditions Treated with Facet Joint Blocks

Facet joint blocks help with several issues. These include arthritis, degenerated discs, and inflammatory arthritis. These conditions cause a lot of pain. The block injects medication into the joint to see if it’s the source of pain and to relieve it.

Differentiating Facet Pain from Other Back Issues

It’s important to tell facet joint pain from other back problems. Facet pain is usually focused and gets worse with certain movements. Knowing the symptoms and conditions treated by facet joint blocks helps us see when they’re needed.

The Science Behind Facet Joint Block Procedures

Facet joint block procedures use a mix of precise targeting and effective medication. They are done under sterile conditions. This is usually done with fluoroscopy or CT imaging to make sure it’s accurate.

How Medications Work in Facet Injections

Facet joint injections have a mix of local anesthetic and corticosteroid. The local anesthetic numbs the area right away. The corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation over time. The type of medication used depends on the patient’s condition and medical history.

Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory agents. They can give a lot of relief to those with facet joint syndrome. By cutting down inflammation, corticosteroids help reduce pain and improve movement.

Targeting Specific Vertebral Levels

Facet joint blocks can target different vertebral levels, based on where the pain is. Levels like L4-L5 and L5-S1 are common. The procedure involves injecting medication directly into the affected facet joint under imaging guidance.

Role of Imaging Guidance

Imaging guidance, like fluoroscopy or CT scans, is key for accurate facet joint injections. It lets practitioners see the needle placement in real-time. This ensures the medication goes exactly where it needs to.

Using imaging guidance makes the procedure safer and more effective. It cuts down the risk of problems. The whole thing usually takes less than 30 minutes and is done as an outpatient.

Medical Preparations Before Your Facet Joint Block

Before you get a facet joint block, you need to prepare. Your doctor will help you get ready for the treatment. This ensures it’s safe and works well.

Required Medical Evaluations

Your doctor will check if you’re right for the facet joint block. They might do:

• Look at your medical history to see if it affects the procedure.
• Do a physical check to see how you’re doing and if there are risks.
• Use X-rays or MRI scans to see your spine clearly.

Medication Adjustments

Some medicines can mess with the procedure or cause problems. Tell your doctor about all your medicines, like:

• Blood thinners that might need to be stopped for a few days before.
• Medicines that could react with the drugs used in the block.

Always talk to your doctor before changing or stopping any medicines.

Discussing Allergies and Medical History

Tell your doctor about any allergies or health issues. This includes:

• Any allergies to medicines, like anesthetics or steroids.
• Conditions that might make the procedure risky.

Getting ready for your facet joint block helps it work better and keeps risks low. If you have questions or worries, talk to your doctor.

Day Before Preparations for Your Procedure

Getting ready for your lumbar facet joint block procedure? There are steps you can take the day before to make it smoother. Being prepared can help reduce anxiety and make the experience more comfortable.

Dietary and Fluid Restrictions

Following specific dietary instructions is key before your procedure. You might need to stop eating 6 to 8 hours before the injection. But you can have clear liquids up to four hours beforehand. Make sure to check with your healthcare provider for exact details.

The day before, you can eat normally but avoid heavy meals. Drinking lots of water is also important, unless told not to.

What to Wear and Bring

Choose loose, comfy clothes for the day of your procedure. This makes it easier to access your lower back. You might need to change into a gown, so pick clothes that are easy to take off.

Bring all necessary documents, insurance cards, and a list of your medications on the day. Having a friend or family member with you can also be a big help.

Arranging Transportation

It’s important to have someone drive you home after the procedure. The block and any sedation might make it hard to drive safely.

So, ask a friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure. This keeps you safe and lets you focus on recovering.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Lumbar Facet Joint Block

Understanding what happens during your lumbar facet joint block can make it less scary. We’ll walk you through what to expect on the day of your treatment.

Arrival and Check-in Process

When you arrive, our staff will welcome you and help with the check-in. Try to get there a bit early to fill out any paperwork. Then, they’ll take you to where the procedure will happen.

Remember to bring any needed documents, like insurance and ID, for a smooth check-in.

Pre-procedure Preparation

You’ll need to change into a hospital gown before the procedure. This makes it easier for our team to access the area. They’ll also have you sign a consent form, which explains the procedure, risks, and benefits.

“We know this can be a stressful time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.”

Meeting Your Medical Team

You’ll meet the doctors and nurses who will do your facet joint block. They’re experts in this procedure and will answer any questions you have. They want to make sure you’re comfortable and informed.

Your safety and comfort are our main concerns. After the procedure, we’ll watch for any side effects. We’ll also give you instructions on how to care for yourself after.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough of the Facet Joint Block Procedure

A facet joint block is a simple procedure that helps relieve pain. It involves injecting medicine into the facet joint. Knowing the steps can help you prepare for the process.

Positioning on the Procedure Table

You’ll lie facedown on the table for the procedure. This position makes it easy to reach the facet joints in your back. We make sure you’re comfortable and safe, using pillows or supports if needed.

Local Anesthesia and Comfort Measures

To reduce discomfort, we use local anesthesia to numb the area. “The use of local anesthesia is a key step in ensuring patient comfort,” say medical experts. We also offer sedation to help you relax.

Needle Placement and Injection Process

We use X-ray guidance to place a needle in the facet joint or near the nerves. After the needle is in place, we inject a mix of local anesthetic and corticosteroid. This helps reduce inflammation and pain.

The whole procedure usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Our team keeps an eye on your comfort and safety throughout. We aim to make the process as smooth as possible.

Immediate Post-Procedure Experience

After the procedure, our medical team will watch over you in the recovery room. This time is key to seeing how you react to the Lumbar Facet Joint Block. They will also handle any side effects or concerns.

Recovery Room Monitoring

In the recovery room, our healthcare team will check your vital signs and look for any bad reactions to the meds. “The safety and comfort of our patients are our top priorities.” 

Initial Effects and Sensations

You might feel some soreness or discomfort at the injection site, which is normal. Our team will tell you what to expect and how to handle it. It’s important to follow our advice for a smooth recovery.

Common initial sensations include:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Numbness or tingling in the lower back
• Mild discomfort that may radiate to the buttocks or thighs

Discharge Instructions

Before you leave, our team will give you detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure. This includes tips on managing pain, when to start activities again, and how to watch for complications. It’s important to have someone with you when you go home, as you might not be able to drive.

“Understanding your post-procedure care is vital for a successful recovery. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.” 

By following these instructions and paying attention to how your body reacts, you can make your recovery the best it can be. This will help you get the most out of your Lumbar Facet Joint Block.

Recovery and Aftercare Following a Facet Block

Recovering from a facet joint block is easier with the right aftercare. Following these steps can help you get the best pain relief and return to your usual activities.

Activity Restrictions and Resumption

For at least 48 hours after a facet joint block, avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activities. This lets your body heal without extra stress on the treated area.

Start with light activities and gradually increase the intensity as you feel comfortable. This helps prevent overexertion and aids in a smoother recovery.

Pain Management Expectations

Some soreness at the injection site is common and usually goes away in a few days. You might be given pain medications to help with any discomfort during recovery.

Managing pain well is key to a comfortable recovery. Always follow your healthcare provider’s medication instructions and report any issues or side effects.

Keeping a Pain Journal

Keeping a pain journal is very helpful during recovery. It lets you track your pain, activities, and medications. This helps you and your healthcare provider understand how your body is responding to the treatment.

A pain journal is a tool for making informed decisions about your care. It helps in adjusting your treatment plan if needed.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Most people recover without issues, but knowing when to seek help is important. If your pain gets worse, you see signs of infection, or have unusual symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

Your healthcare provider is there to answer any questions or concerns during recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance or support.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Facet joint blocks are useful for diagnosing and treating pain. But it’s important to know the possible risks and side effects. Being informed helps patients make smart choices about their health.

Common Side Effects

Most people do well with facet joint blocks. But, some might feel:

• Bruising or soreness at the injection site
• Increased pain or discomfort
• Temporary numbness or weakness

These effects are usually mild and go away in a few days.

Rare but Serious Complications

Even though rare, serious problems can happen. These include:

• Infection at the injection site
• Nerve injury or damage
• Allergic reactions to the medications used

Managing Side Effects at Home

To handle side effects at home, try:

• Applying ice to reduce swelling
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
• Resting and avoiding hard activities

If side effects don’t get better or get worse, talk to your doctor.

Conclusion: Long-term Outlook and Next Steps

Facet joint blocks can offer temporary relief and help find the cause of chronic pain. If the pain relief doesn’t last, treatments like radiofrequency ablation might be needed.

It’s important to understand what to expect long-term after a facet joint block. We work with patients to find the best next steps, based on their needs.

The success of facet joint blocks can vary. Some patients might need more treatments. Our team is dedicated to giving full care, helping patients through each step, and finding other options when needed.

By looking at the results of facet joint blocks and talking about what’s next, we help patients make smart choices. Together, we aim for the best pain management and a better quality of life.

FAQ

Reference:

Won, H. S., Kim, Y., & Lee, H.-J. (2020). Facet joint injections for management of low back pain: An evidence-based review. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 17(12), 1874-1883. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7713865