What Are Facet Joints?

Facet joints are the small joints that connect the vertebrae in the spine. They help provide stability and controlled movement, limiting excessive twisting and extension.

Common causes of facet joint pain include:

• Sports injuries or motor vehicle accidents
• Degenerative arthritis
• Spinal wear and tear over time

When facet joints become inflamed, they can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, leading to chronic neck or low back pain.

Facet Joint Syndrome

This condition is a deterioration of the facet joints, which help stabilize the spine and limit excessive motion. The facet joints are lined with cartilage and are surrounded by a lubricating capsule that enables the vertebrae to bend and twist.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facet Joint Injection?

You may be a candidate for facet joint injections if you experience:

• Chronic neck or back pain that limits daily activities
• Stiffness and loss of range of motion
• Pain that worsens with movement or specific positions

At OPS Surgery Center, we perform a comprehensive evaluation with diagnostic imaging to confirm if facet joints are the source of pain before recommending treatment.

If you have persistent spinal pain, a facet joint injection may provide relief and help restore function.

The facet joints, found on both sides of the back of the spine, can become painfully irritated or inflamed. A facet joint injection may help diagnose the source of a patient's pain. It can also relieve pain and inflammation.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

• If you choose sedation, avoid eating or drinking for eight hours before treatment and arrange for someone to drive you home.
• You may need to pause certain medications (such as blood thinners) before your procedure.

During the Procedure

• The injection site is sterilized and numbed with local anesthesia.
• Using image guidance, the doctor inserts the needle into the affected facet joint.
• A contrast dye is injected to confirm proper placement.
• The medication (corticosteroids and anesthetic) is administered, reducing inflammation and pain.
• The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.

Recovery and Pain Relief Timeline

• Most patients return home the same day after a short recovery period.
• Pain relief typically begins within a few days, with results lasting weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition.
• If the injection provides only short-term relief, additional treatment options, such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), may be recommended for longer-lasting pain management.

Alternative Treatment for Facet Joint Pain: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

If a facet joint injection provides only temporary relief and significant arthritis is present, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) may be a better long-term solution.

RFA targets the nerve supplying the painful facet joint, using heat to interrupt pain signals for 9 to 12 months of relief.

For more details, visit our Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) treatment page to explore this option.

Find Relief from Facet Joint Pain at OPS Surgery Center

If chronic neck or back pain is affecting your daily life, facet joint injections offer a safe, effective way to reduce pain and restore mobility.

Schedule an appointment at OPS Surgery Center today to explore your treatment options.