Facet Joint Injection

A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain caused by inflammation or arthritis in the small joints of the spine (facet joints). Facet joints connect the vertebrae and help provide stability and movement to your neck, mid-back, and lower back.

The injection delivers a local anesthetic and often a steroid directly into the painful joint to reduce inflammation, block pain signals, and improve mobility.

Your provider may recommend a facet joint injection if you have:

• Chronic neck, mid-back, or lower back pain
• Pain that worsens with movement, bending, or twisting
• Pain from arthritis or degenerative changes in the spine
• Tenderness over the spine when pressed
• Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods

Facet injections can confirm the source of your pain (diagnostic) and provide relief (therapeutic).

• Facet joint arthritis (facet arthropathy)
• Degenerative spinal conditions
• Whiplash injuries
• Chronic mechanical back or neck pain
• Post-surgical spine pain

• Reduce joint inflammation and swelling
• Relieve neck, back, or lower back pain
• Improve movement and daily function
• Delay or avoid the need for spine surgery

Please inform your provider if you:

• Are taking blood thinners (they may need to be paused)
• Have allergies to medications, contrast dye, or steroids
• Are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder

Additional instructions:

• You may need to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure if sedation is planned.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation is used.

• You will lie face down (or on your side, depending on the area treated).
• The skin over the target area will be cleaned and numbed.
• Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) guidance, a thin needle is placed into the facet joint.
• A local anesthetic and steroid are injected.
• Procedure time: About 15–30 minutes
• Sedation: Light sedation may be used if needed, but most procedures use local anesthetic only.

What to Expect:

• You may feel immediate numbness or relief from the anesthetic.
• Steroid medication typically takes 2–5 days to reduce inflammation for longer-term relief.
• Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site is normal and should resolve in a few days.

Activity:

• Rest the day of the procedure.
• Resume normal activities the next day unless instructed otherwise.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours.

• Relief from a facet joint injection can last weeks to months, depending on your condition.
• Some patients may need repeat injections or may be candidates for radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting pain control.

Facet joint injections are very safe. Rare potential risks include:

• Temporary increased pain
• Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
• Infection (very rare)
• Allergic reaction to medications (extremely rare)

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we use advanced imaging and sterile techniques to ensure your safety and the best possible outcome.

Patients choose Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah because we offer:

• Board-certified spine and pain management specialists
• Expert image-guided injection techniques
• Minimally invasive treatments with fast recovery times
• Comprehensive care plans tailored to your needs and goals

Our mission is to help you relieve pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life.