What Are Facet Joint Injections?

• In simple terms: A small amount of steroid and anesthetic is injected into the facet joints to reduce pain and inflammation.
  
  

• Scientifically: Facet joint injections involve percutaneous needle placement into the zygapophyseal joint capsule under fluoroscopy, followed by injection of corticosteroid and anesthetic to block nociceptive transmission and confirm diagnosis.
  
  

Conditions Treated

• Facet joint arthritis (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
  
  

• Chronic neck pain or low back pain not relieved by conservative measures
  
  

• Spondylolysis or facet degeneration contributing to pain
  
  

• Diagnostic tool before Radiofrequency Ablation
  
  

The Facet Injection Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia and light sedation if needed.
   
   

2. Imaging: Needle guided into the facet joint with live X-ray.
   
   

3. Medication injection: A mix of anesthetic and steroid is injected.
   
   

4. Observation: Short recovery; home the same day.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Positioning: Patient prone; sterile prep and draping.
  
  

• Needle placement: 22–25G spinal needle advanced into facet joint capsule under AP/oblique/lateral fluoroscopy.
  
  

• Contrast injection: Confirms intra-articular placement.
  
  

• Medication: Corticosteroid + anesthetic mixture injected slowly.
  
  

• Closure: Needle withdrawn; bandage applied.
  
  

Benefits of Facet Injections

• Targeted relief for facet-related pain
  
  

• Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
  
  

• Diagnostic value: confirms if pain originates from facet joints
  
  

• May provide months of pain relief
  
  

• Often used as a bridge to radiofrequency ablation for longer relief
  
  

Risks & Limitations

• Temporary soreness at injection site
  
  

• Infection, bleeding, nerve irritation (rare)
  
  

• Pain relief may be temporary (weeks to months)
  
  

• Not effective if pain isn’t facet-related
  
  

Recovery Timeline

• Day 0: Home same day; mild soreness possible
  
  

• Days 1–3: Pain relief may begin; steroid effect builds gradually
  
  

• Weeks 1–2: Most patients notice significant relief
  
  

• Months: Relief can last weeks to months; repeat injections or RFA may be needed
  
  

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

• Neurosurgical precision: Dr. Greenwald ensures accurate placement under imaging guidance
  
  

• Patient-first approach: Clear communication, conservative-first philosophy
  
  

• Full spectrum of care: From injections to RFA to advanced surgery, all options available in one place
  
  

• Compassionate care: We take the fear out of interventional spine treatments
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if facet joints are causing my pain?

Facet pain often worsens with bending backward, twisting, or prolonged standing. Injections help confirm the diagnosis.

How long do facet injections last?

Relief varies—some patients get weeks, others several months. If relief is temporary, RFA may provide longer benefit.

What’s the difference between facet injections and medial branch blocks?

Facet injections deliver medication into the joint. Medial branch blocks target the tiny nerves supplying the facet joints. Both are diagnostic; RFA is the next step if blocks confirm pain source.

Can I return to normal activity after an injection?

Yes. Light activity same day; avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours.

How does Desert Spine and Pain perform these differently?

We use fluoroscopy-guided, neurosurgeon-led precision to maximize safety and effectiveness.