Facet & Joint Injections
Quick and Effective Pain Relief
A therapeutic facet or joint injection treats pain originating from the spine and joints. In this injection, either an anesthetic (Lidocaine) or corticosteroid medication (Dexamethasone) is injected into the joint to provide immediate and extended pain relief.
What are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are pairs of small joints that connect the vertebrae in your spine. They are located on the backside of the spine and play a crucial role in both stability and flexibility. Research indicates that about 70% of neck pain and 50% of back pain involves the facet joints.
Facet joint pain may be localized or radiate to other areas outside the spine.
What Causes Joint Pain?
Most people will experience joint pain at some point in their lives. The cause can vary, from injuries and arthritis to overuse and other conditions. Our practitioners can help identify the underlying cause of your pain and recommend the most effective treatment options. This may include facet and joint injections.
Common Areas of Treatment
Facet joints of the spine
Sacroiliac joint and coccyx
Hip joint
Shoulder, elbow, and hand
Knee, ankle and foot
Common Conditions Treated
Facet joint osteoarthritis
Spinal osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Degenerative spondylolisthesis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Scoliosis
Candidates for Facet and Joint Injections
Candidates for facet and joint injections include patients who have experienced moderate to severe spine or joint pain lasting 3 months or longer and who have not responded to non-surgical treatments, such as pain-relieving medication and physical therapy.
What to Expect
Facet and joint injections relieve pain and improve mobility in approximately 50% to 75% of patients. However, the extent and duration of relief varies widely between patients depending on the type of injection and individual factors. Facet and joint injections typically provide short-term relief for around 2-4 months.
When Facet & Joint Injections May Not be Recommended
These injections should be avoided in the following circumstances due to the significantly increased risk of complications:
Active infection (systemic or local)
Bleeding disorders
Allergies to medications used or imaging contrast
Progressive neurological conditions
Pregnancy
Additionally, facet and joint injections are not utilized in the treatment of non-facet and joint pathologies, such as fractures, tumors, or infections.