Facet Joint Injections: Can They Help with Chronic Back and Neck Pain?

Chronic back and neck pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. One promising treatment option for individuals experiencing persistent pain in these areas is facet joint injections. These minimally invasive procedures can provide relief by targeting the root cause of pain within the facet joints of the spine.

In this blog post, we will explore what facet joint injections are, how they work, and whether they could be a suitable solution for managing chronic back and neck pain.

What Are Facet Joint Injections?

Facet joints are small, stabilizing joints located between each vertebra in the spine. These joints enable flexibility and movement while maintaining spinal stability. However, due to injury, arthritis, or wear and tear, these joints can become inflamed, leading to significant pain and discomfort.

Facet joint injections are a treatment designed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in these joints. During the procedure, a mixture of a local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected directly into the affected facet joint to target inflammation and block pain signals.

How Do Facet Joint Injections Work?

Facet joint injections work by delivering medication directly to the source of pain. The injection typically consists of a local anesthetic and a steroid medication. These two components work together to provide both immediate and long-lasting pain relief.

The local anesthetic numbs the area around the facet joint, providing immediate but short-term relief. This helps to quickly reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure.

Then, the steroid medication reduces inflammation within the joint, offering longer-lasting relief from chronic pain. This anti-inflammatory effect can help alleviate pain for weeks or even months.

Facet joint injections are performed using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to ensure precise placement of the needle. Once the medication is injected, patients may feel an immediate reduction in pain, while the full effects of the steroid may take a few days to become evident.

Can Facet Joint Injections Help with Chronic Back and Neck Pain?

Facet joint injections are often recommended for individuals dealing with chronic back or neck pain due to conditions like facet joint arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or whiplash injuries. The primary goal of these injections is to reduce inflammation and provide relief, which can help improve mobility and quality of life.

Targeted Pain Relief

The injection delivers medication directly to the affected joint, minimizing pain at its source. This targeted approach makes it highly effective for localized joint pain.

Improved Mobility

By reducing pain and inflammation, patients may experience a greater range of motion and improved flexibility. This can enhance daily activities and overall quality of life.

Minimally Invasive

The procedure is quick, typically performed on an outpatient basis, and requires minimal recovery time compared to surgical interventions.

Diagnostic Tool

In addition to providing relief, facet joint injections can help diagnose the source of pain. If the injection alleviates symptoms, it confirms that the facet joint is the pain generator.

Conditions Treated with Facet Joint Injections?

Facet joint injections are suitable for individuals experiencing chronic pain related to various conditions. These injections can effectively reduce pain and improve function when other treatments have not been successful.

Facet Joint Syndrome

Inflammation of the facet joints can cause localized pain and discomfort. Injections can help reduce this inflammation and alleviate pain from facet joint syndrome.

Spinal Osteoarthritis

Degeneration of joint cartilage can lead to inflammation and chronic back pain. Facet joint injections help decrease inflammation, providing relief from osteoarthritic pain.

Whiplash Injuries

Sudden neck movements or whiplash can cause damage to the facet joints, resulting in chronic pain. Injections can reduce the inflammation caused by these injuries resulting from a car accident or personal injury.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Wear and tear on spinal discs, also known as degenerative disc disease, can increase stress on the facet joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Injections can help reduce inflammation and restore mobility.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Facet joint injections are relatively quick and straightforward, typically performed in an outpatient setting. The process is designed to minimize discomfort and ensure precision. 

During the procedure, the patient lies on an examination table, and the injection site is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to prevent infection. To reduce discomfort, the area around the facet joint is numbed with a local anesthetic, keeping the patient comfortable throughout the process. 

Next, imaging guidance, such as an X-ray or fluoroscopy, is used to visualize the facet joint, ensuring accurate needle placement. Once the needle is positioned correctly, the medication—a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid—is slowly injected into the facet joint to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. 

After the injection, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Post-Procedure Care

After the injection, patients may experience temporary numbness or a slight increase in pain before the steroid begins to take effect. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities for a few days and follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for recovery.

How Long Do Facet Joint Injections Last?

The duration of pain relief from facet joint injections can vary based on the individual and the severity of the condition. Some patients may experience relief for a few weeks, while others may benefit for several months. In cases where pain returns, the procedure can be repeated as needed under medical guidance.

Why Choose Greater Austin Pain Center for Facet Joint Injections?

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we specialize in providing cutting-edge pain management solutions tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced pain specialists perform facet joint injections using the latest techniques and imaging guidance to ensure precision and efficacy. We offer a range of therapies beyond injections to help you regain mobility and comfort.

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief

If chronic back or neck pain is impacting your quality of life, facet joint injections may offer the relief you’ve been seeking. 

With locations in Austin, San Marcos, Kyle, and throughout the Austin area, we’re committed to offering local, compassionate pain management care. If you’re interested in exploring pain management options, contact Greater Austin Pain Center today to schedule an appointment today. 

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting relief with personalized care and advanced pain management solutions. Let us help you find the path to less pain and a more active, fulfilling lifestyle.