Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by mcelik
When lower back pain keeps you from enjoying your day, a lumbar facet joint injection might help. We know dealing with pain is tough. That’s why we’re here to help you through every step of your treatment.
A facet joint injection is a procedure where a doctor puts pain-relieving medicine into a facet joint. This is a small, non-surgical way to help with lower back pain caused by facet joint problems.
By using a local anesthetic and corticosteroid, patients often feel a lot of pain relief. At Liv Hospital, we mix advanced care with kindness. We make sure you’re ready for the procedure and your recovery.
The lumbar facet joints are key to our spine’s stability and flexibility. They help us move and twist. But, when they don’t work right, we can feel a lot of pain.
To get what’s going on with lumbar facet joint pain, we need to know about their anatomy. We also need to know what causes problems and what symptoms show there’s an issue.
Lumbar facet joints are found in the lower back. They connect the vertebrae. These joints have cartilage and a special fluid to keep them moving smoothly.
The way facet joints are built lets them move the vertebrae in controlled ways. This helps us bend, straighten, and twist our spine. They also help carry the weight of our spine, mainly when we extend or rotate.
Facet joint pain can come from several sources:
These can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to pain and stiffness.
The signs of facet joint pain can differ but often include:
Knowing these symptoms helps doctors figure out if it’s facet joint pain or something else causing the back pain.
| Symptom | Description |
| Localized Pain | Pain stuck in the lower back area |
| Stiffness | Less flexibility, mostly after resting |
| Radiating Pain | Pain that goes to the buttocks or thighs |
We suggest lumbar facet joint injections for those who haven’t found relief from facet joint pain. These injections help manage pain from different spinal conditions.
Facet injections treat facet joint arthritis and degenerative disc disease. These conditions cause a lot of pain and discomfort. By injecting medication into the facet joint, we can lessen inflammation and pain.
Before facet injections, we try other treatments first. This includes physical therapy, medication, and changes in lifestyle. If these don’t work, lumbar facet joint injections are considered next.
Facet injections have two main uses. They help find the pain source by numbing the area. They also deliver medication to reduce pain and inflammation. This makes spinal facet injections a key tool in managing spinal pain.
In summary, facet injections lumbar are for those with facet joint pain not helped by other treatments. Knowing their uses helps us improve patient care.
Lumbar facet joint pain is often treated with injections. These injections target the facet joints to reduce pain and inflammation. They are a common solution for lower back pain.
Medial branch blocks involve injecting local anesthetic and sometimes corticosteroids around the nerves that supply the facet joints. These nerves send pain signals to the brain. By blocking these nerves, the procedure can diagnose and treat facet joint pain.
According to the National Institutes of Health, it’s a valuable tool for managing chronic lower back pain.
Intra-articular facet joint injections put medication directly into the facet joint space. They combine local anesthetic and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and pain. These injections are used for both diagnosis and treatment of facet joint syndrome.
Lumbar facet joint injections can target specific levels, like the L4-L5 facet joints. The L4-L5 level is often a source of lower back pain due to its mechanical stress. Injections at this level use imaging guidance for accurate placement.
The choice between medial branch blocks and intra-articular injections depends on the patient’s condition and the healthcare provider’s judgment. Both are used in managing lumbar facet joint pain and can complement each other.
It’s important to know the good and bad of facet block procedures for back pain. These treatments can really help with pain, but how well they work can differ for everyone.
The time pain relief lasts from facet joint injections can vary a lot. Some people feel better for months, while others might not feel relief for as long. Why this happens is because everyone’s body reacts differently to pain and treatment.
Research shows facet joint injections can help with pain and improve how well you can move. How well these treatments work depends on a few things, like how well the doctor knows what’s causing the pain and the method used. Using imaging to guide the injections can lead to better results.
Because the relief from facet joint injections doesn’t always last, some people might need more treatments. We help our patients figure out the best schedule for treatments based on how they react. This way, we can keep pain under control and improve their life quality.
Getting ready for a facet lumbar injection is important. It involves checking your health and getting ready personally. We help our patients with these steps to make the treatment go smoothly.
A detailed medical check is needed before the procedure. This helps us understand your health and any risks. The check might include:
Our team will use this info to make the procedure fit your needs.
Some medicines might need to be changed or stopped before the procedure. We’ll tell you about:
It’s important to follow our advice to stay safe during the procedure.
On the day of your lumbar facet joint injection, bring:
| Item | Description |
| Identification | Valid government-issued ID |
| Insurance Cards | Your medical insurance cards |
| Medical Records | Any relevant medical records or test results |
| List of Medications | A current list of your medications and dosages |
A lumbar facet joint injection is a treatment for lower back pain. It involves injecting medicine into the facet joint to lessen inflammation and pain.
The patient lies on their stomach on an X-ray table. This makes it easy to reach the lower back. We make sure they are comfortable and safe, using pillows if needed.
Preparation includes cleaning and sterilizing the skin where the injection will be given. Local anesthesia might be used to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
We use imaging like fluoroscopy or CT scans to guide the needle. These methods show us the needle’s path and the facet joint in real-time.
Fluoroscopy is often used because it shows continuous X-ray images. This helps us place the needle correctly.
With the patient in position and imaging ready, we insert the needle into the facet joint. We then inject a mix of local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the joint.
The medication reduces inflammation and numbs the pain. The corticosteroid helps by swelling down the joint over time.
The whole procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. The actual injection is quick, but getting ready and using imaging takes longer.
We use local anesthesia or conscious sedation to manage pain. The choice depends on the patient’s comfort and the procedure’s complexity.
| Procedure Step | Duration | Pain Management |
| Patient Positioning | 5 minutes | Local anesthesia |
| Imaging Guidance | 5-10 minutes | Conscious sedation (optional) |
| Needle Placement and Medication | 5-10 minutes | Local anesthesia |
| Total Procedure Time | 15-30 minutes | Varies by patient |
Knowing what happens in a lumbar facet joint injection helps patients prepare. It can make them feel less anxious and more ready for the procedure.
After a facet injection, it’s important to take care of yourself. The time right after treatment is key for the best results.
We watch over you in the hospital for a bit. This is to make sure you’re okay right away. Our team will:
Because of the procedure and sedation, you’ll need a ride home. It’s best to have someone with you for this.
To help you recover well, we suggest these steps:
Managing pain is key after a lumbar facet block or facet injection lumbar. We might suggest:
It’s important to follow our pain management advice. Everyone’s needs are different.
By following these tips and our advice, you can get the most out of your facet injections procedure. You’ll likely have a more comfortable recovery.
It’s important to know the risks and side effects of lumbar facet joint injections. These injections are usually safe and work well. But, there are things to be aware of to make the best choice.
Side effects like soreness, bruising, and swelling are common. These usually go away in a few days. Sometimes, pain might get worse, but it often gets better with the right treatment.
Common Side Effects:
| Side Effect | Frequency | Duration |
| Temporary soreness | Common | 1-3 days |
| Bruising | Common | 3-5 days |
| Swelling | Less common | 1-3 days |
Even though rare, serious problems can happen. These include infection, nerve damage, or allergic reactions. It’s key to know about these risks and watch for signs early.
Rare but serious complications, though uncommon, need quick medical help if suspected.
It’s important to manage pain after the procedure. Follow your doctor’s advice, which might include ice, gentle stretching, and pain meds. If pain doesn’t get better or gets worse, talk to your doctor.
Knowing the signs of infection or bad reactions is vital. Watch for more pain, redness, swelling, or fever at the site. If you see these signs, get medical help right away.
Understanding the risks and side effects of lumbar facet joint injections helps patients make smart choices. It also prepares them for any complications that might come up.
It’s important for patients to understand how long lumbar facet joint injections last. Studies show that 15% to 45% of people with low back pain have facet joint pain. This pain can affect the lower back and legs, making it key to get the right treatment.
Diagnostic facet joint blocks, like lumbar facet joint injections, are shown to work well. But, it’s good to know about the rare risks. For example, 4% of patients might get blood in the injection site, and 1.2% might have a local hematoma. For more on the safety and success of these injections, check out this resource.
How long facet joint injections last can vary. Some people need more than one treatment. We keep a close eye on our patients and adjust their treatment plans as needed. This way, we make sure they get the best care for their spinal health.
A lumbar facet joint injection is a small procedure to help with lower back pain. It involves injecting a medicine into the facet joint. This helps diagnose and treat the pain.
Facet joint pain often comes from wear and tear, inflammation, or injury. These can cause arthritis and degenerative disc disease.
Signs of facet joint problems include back pain, stiffness, and limited movement. These symptoms come from facet joint dysfunction.
Facet injections help with facet joint arthritis and degenerative disc disease. They are used when other treatments don’t work.
Medial branch blocks inject medicine near nerves that supply the facet joints. Intra-articular facet joint injections put medicine directly into the joint.
Pain relief from facet injections can last weeks to months. It varies based on the individual and their condition.
Facet block procedures can greatly reduce pain. But, their success can vary. Some people may need repeated treatments.
To prepare, you’ll need a medical check-up and to adjust your medications. You’ll also get specific instructions for the day of the procedure.
You’ll lie on an X-ray table during the procedure. Imaging helps place the needle accurately. The medicine is then delivered, and you’re monitored for comfort and safety.
Risks and side effects include temporary pain or discomfort. Rare but serious complications like infection or allergic reactions can also occur.
Manage discomfort with pain management strategies like medication and rest. Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific guidance.
Signs include increased pain, redness, swelling, or fever. If you notice these, seek medical help right away.
Whether you can have a lumbar facet joint injection depends on your other conditions. A thorough medical evaluation will determine the best treatment.
The need for repeated injections varies. It depends on your condition and how well you respond to treatment. Some may need ongoing treatments.
Success is measured by pain relief after the procedure. Your healthcare provider will assess the outcome and discuss further options if needed.
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