For patients with spine pain linked to arthritic or inflamed facet joints, lumbar facet injections deliver targeted medication directly into the joint. These injections combine anesthetic and steroid medicine to confirm the source of pain and reduce inflammation, often providing both diagnostic clarity and short-term relief.
Your physician uses imaging guidance to locate the exact facet joints suspected of causing pain.
A mix of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected directly into the joint.
The anesthetic provides immediate but temporary relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation for longer benefit.
Local anesthetic provides quick, short-term relief to test the pain source.
Steroid medicine reduces swelling inside the joint for steadier, longer relief.
Most patients walk out the same day and resume normal activities gradually.
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Facet joints, located on both sides of the spine, can become irritated or inflamed, leading to pain. A facet joint injection helps confirm if these joints are the pain source while also reducing discomfort and inflammation. This dual role makes it both diagnostic and therapeutic. For more details, visit our Facet Joint Syndrome page.
Facet joint injections are often recommended when arthritis, degenerative changes, or irritation in the joints lead to persistent spinal pain. The procedure reduces inflammation, allowing patients to regain mobility and engage in therapy. It targets pain linked to specific facet joints in the spine. Learn about other approaches on our Non-Surgical Treatments page.
A physician numbs the skin before guiding a needle into the joint using imaging. Contrast dye confirms proper placement, and the medication is then injected. This reduces inflammation and irritation inside the joint. The procedure is outpatient and patients usually go home the same day. To see how injections compare, visit our Lumbar Epidural Injection page.
Relief may begin within a few hours to days as the medication reduces inflammation. The effect typically lasts from weeks to several months, depending on severity of joint damage and patient activity level. For longer-term relief, repeat injections or additional therapies may be recommended. More information is available on our Cervical Facet Joint Injections page.
Yes. Performed under imaging guidance, facet joint injections are generally safe. Patients may experience mild soreness at the injection site, which usually resolves quickly. Rare risks include infection, bleeding, or temporary nerve irritation, and your physician will discuss them before treatment.
Facet joint injections are often one step in a non-surgical-first approach. They relieve enough pain to allow participation in physical therapy, mobility exercises, and long-term strengthening programs. Rather than replacing other treatments, they work together as part of a broader care plan. Learn more about supportive therapies on our Physical Therapy page.
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