Finding Relief with Facet Steroid Injections: A Targeted Approach to Spinal Joint Pain
Chronic spine pain doesn’t always come from discs or pinched nerves, sometimes, it stems from the small joints that connect the bones of the spine, known as facet joints. When these joints become inflamed or arthritic, they can cause significant discomfort, especially in the neck or lower back. For patients dealing with this type of pain, Facet Steroid Injections may offer an effective, minimally invasive option for relief.
What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are pairs of small joints located at each level of the spine, connecting the vertebrae and allowing controlled motion such as twisting and bending. Like other joints, they can become irritated or develop arthritis, especially with age, injury, or repetitive stress.
What Are Facet Steroid Injections?
Facet Steroid Injections involve injecting a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory medication) and sometimes a local anesthetic directly into one or more facet joints. The goal is to reduce inflammation in the joint and alleviate the associated pain.
Conditions Treated with Facet Injections
Facet joint pain, often called facet joint syndrome, may arise from:
- Osteoarthritis of the spine
- Degenerative changes in the facet joints
- Whiplash injuries
- Chronic neck or low back pain that worsens with movement or prolonged standing
Pain from facet joints often feels like a dull ache that may radiate into the buttocks, thighs, shoulders, or head, depending on the affected spinal level.
The Procedure: What to Expect
- Positioning & Preparation: The patient lies on a procedure table, and the area is sterilized and numbed with local anesthetic.
- Imaging Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray), the physician guides a small needle to the targeted facet joint.
- Injection: A combination of steroid and anesthetic is delivered to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Duration: The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, and patients are monitored briefly afterward before going home.
Benefits of Facet Injections
- Targeted pain relief in the spine without surgery
- Quick outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time
- Can help diagnose the source of spinal pain
- Improves ability to participate in physical therapy
How Long Does Relief Last?
Some patients feel relief within hours due to the anesthetic, but the steroid may take a few days to reduce inflammation. Pain relief can last for weeks or even months. If successful, repeat injections may be offered, usually spaced out to avoid excessive steroid exposure.
Risks and Side Effects
Facet injections are generally safe but may include:
- Temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site
- Infection (rare)
- Allergic reaction
- Elevated blood sugar (short-term in diabetic patients)
- No relief, if the facet joint isn’t the true source of pain
When Are Facet Injections Recommended?
Facet injections are typically recommended for patients who:
- Have localized spinal pain not caused by a herniated disc or nerve impingement
- Experience pain that worsens with twisting, bending, or prolonged standing
- Have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or oral medications