Pain Management

Joint Injections for Pain

Targeted Injections for Spine and Joint Pain

When inflammation or arthritis affects the joints of the spine or pelvis, it can lead to persistent pain and stiffness. Joint injections deliver medication directly into these painful joints to reduce inflammation, confirm the pain source, and restore function. At Desert Spine and Pain, neurosurgeon Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS performs joint injections under fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance, ensuring safe and accurate relief.

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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.

Facet Joint Injections Facet Joint Anatomy and Medication Distribution 3D medical visualization of facet joint anatomy with steroid distribution

What Are Joint Injections?

  • In simple terms: Medication (usually steroid and anesthetic) is injected directly into joints to calm inflammation and relieve pain.

  • Scientifically: Joint injections involve percutaneous access under imaging guidance with administration of corticosteroid and anesthetic to synovial joints, including facet, sacroiliac, and costovertebral joints. Trigger point injections target taut muscle bands contributing to pain.

Conditions Treated

  • Facet joint arthritis in the neck or back

  • Sacroiliac joint pain

  • Trigger points (painful muscle knots) in neck, shoulders, or back

  • Spinal stenosis with associated nerve irritation

  • Post-surgical joint-related pain

Joint Injection Types and injection site locations with red dots on a skeleton showing injection spots

Types of Joint Injections

1. Facet Joint Injections

  • Steroid + anesthetic injected into facet joints of cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.

  • Relieves pain from arthritis and degeneration.

  • Learn more → Facet Joint Injections

2. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

  • Medication delivered into sacroiliac joint in pelvis.

  • Used both diagnostically and therapeutically.

3. Trigger Point Injections

  • Local anesthetic (sometimes with steroid) injected into tight muscle bands.

  • Relieves pain, improves mobility, and reduces spasms.

4. Epidural Steroid Injections (related)

  • Although technically not a joint, epidurals are often grouped with pain injections.

  • Medication delivered around spinal nerves to calm inflammation.

  • Learn more → Epidural Injections

Joint Injections Comprehensive Guide Infographic

The Joint Injection Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

  1. Preparation: Outpatient procedure; local anesthesia with sedation if needed.

  2. Imaging guidance: Fluoroscopy or ultrasound ensures accuracy.

  3. Injection: Steroid and anesthetic mixture delivered to targeted joint or trigger point.

  4. Observation: Short monitoring period; most patients go home the same day.


Surgeon-Level Detail

  • Needle placement: Guided under AP/oblique/lateral fluoroscopy or ultrasound.

  • Contrast dye: Confirms accurate placement.

  • Medication: Corticosteroid and anesthetic injected in precise dose.

  • Closure: Needle withdrawn; puncture sealed with small bandage.

Joint Injection Benefits infographic

Benefits of Joint Injections

  • Targeted relief of joint and muscle-related pain

  • Minimally invasive outpatient procedure

  • Can confirm diagnosis (e.g., if pain source is SI joint vs. lumbar spine)

  • Quick recovery and return to daily activity

  • May delay or reduce need for surgery

Risks & Limitations

  • Temporary soreness or bruising at site

  • Infection, bleeding, nerve irritation (rare)

  • Relief may be temporary (weeks to months)

  • Not a cure for structural instability—best for inflammation and pain control

Joint Injection Recovery Timeline infographic

Recovery Timeline

  • Day 0: Resume light activities; mild soreness possible

  • Days 1–3: Steroid effect builds gradually; pain relief begins

  • Weeks 1–2: Significant reduction in pain for many patients

  • Months: Relief may last weeks to months; repeat injections possible if needed

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

  • Expert neurosurgeon: Dr. Greenwald ensures precise placement under imaging guidance

  • Comprehensive pain care: Joint injections used as part of broader treatment plan

  • Minimally invasive philosophy: Outpatient procedures with quick recovery

  • Compassionate approach: We listen, explain, and ease the stress of spine care

Joint Injections Guide benefits recovery time types conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do joint injections last?

Relief may last weeks to months. Some patients require repeat injections for lasting benefit.

Are joint injections safe?

Yes. Complications are rare when done with imaging guidance by a trained specialist.

Do injections cure arthritis or degeneration?

No, but they reduce inflammation and relieve pain so patients can stay active and avoid or delay surgery.

How soon will I feel relief?

Some patients notice immediate relief from the anesthetic; full steroid effect takes 1–3 days.

How does Desert Spine and Pain perform joint injections differently?

We use fluoroscopic/ultrasound precision, neurosurgical expertise, and compassionate guidance to ensure safe, effective, and reassuring care.

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Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FACS - neuro spine surgeon at Desert Spine and Pain

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD

Neuro-Spine Surgeon

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Phone: (602) 566-9500

Email: [email protected]

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Book a Consultation.

If you’re experiencing chronic spinal or joint pain, targeted joint injections may be an effective solution for relief. Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team will perform a thorough evaluation to identify the source of your pain and determine whether this treatment is right for you. Every step you take toward expert spine care brings you closer to comfort, strength, and freedom of movement. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting pain relief and restored joint function.

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Voted Best Spine Doctor

Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FACS

Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon specializing in joint injections, a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain caused by inflammation or arthritis in the spine’s facet joints, sacroiliac joints, or other supporting structures. These injections deliver a precise combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint, helping to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness. Dr. Greenwald uses advanced image-guided techniques to ensure accuracy and safety while minimizing discomfort. His patient-focused approach has helped individuals throughout South Florida achieve lasting relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life through precise, targeted spinal care.

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