Chronic back pain can feel like an invisible weight pressing on every part of your life—limiting how you move, sleep, and even how you feel throughout the day. For many, the culprit isn’t always a herniated disc or sciatica—it may be facet joint disease. These small but powerful joints in the spine provide flexibility and stability, yet when they become inflamed or degenerate, the pain can be overwhelming.

One increasingly popular treatment option is the facet joint injection. But the big question remains: Do they really work, or are they just another temporary fix? Let’s dive deeper.

What Are Facet Joints and Why Do They Hurt?

Facet joints are small, paired joints located between each vertebra in the spine. Think of them as the “hinges” that allow you to twist, bend, and maintain stability. Over time, these joints can wear down due to arthritis, repetitive stress, or injury, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and pain.

Facet joint pain often feels like:

  • Localized back or neck pain (not shooting down the legs like sciatica).
  • Stiffness in the morning or after sitting too long.
  • Pain that worsens with twisting or leaning backward.

When conservative measures—like physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle adjustments—don’t bring relief, your doctor may recommend facet joint injections.

How Do Facet Joint Injections Work?

A facet joint injection is both a diagnostic tool and a treatment method.

  1. Guided Precision: Under fluoroscopy (a real-time X-ray), a physician injects a small amount of numbing medication and corticosteroid directly into the facet joint.
  2. Dual Purpose:
    • Diagnostic: If the pain goes away temporarily after the anesthetic, the joint is confirmed as the source.
    • Therapeutic: The corticosteroid reduces inflammation, which can relieve pain for weeks or even months.

Do They Really Relieve Chronic Back Pain?

The short answer: Yes—for many patients, facet joint injections provide meaningful relief.

  • According to the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), facet joint injections can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility, especially in patients with arthritis-related back pain.
  • A 2018 study published in Pain Physician Journal found that patients experienced substantial pain relief lasting up to 3 months after the procedure, with some reporting longer-lasting effects when combined with physical therapy.

It’s important to note, however, that these injections are not a permanent cure. They’re designed to reduce pain and inflammation, giving patients a window of relief to re-engage in physical therapy and lifestyle changes that strengthen and protect the spine.

Benefits of Facet Joint Injections

  • Quick and Minimally Invasive: Usually completed in less than 30 minutes.
  • Fast Relief: Many patients report improvement within days.
  • Helps Avoid Surgery: Can delay or reduce the need for more invasive spine procedures.
  • Improves Quality of Life: Pain relief allows better participation in rehabilitation and daily activities.

Are There Risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, though serious complications are rare. Risks may include temporary soreness at the injection site, allergic reaction, or infection. For most patients, the benefits outweigh the risks when performed by an experienced spine specialist.

Final Thoughts

Facet joint injections aren’t magic—but for the right patient, they can be game-changing. By reducing inflammation and confirming the source of pain, these injections often provide a crucial stepping stone toward long-term healing.

If you’re struggling with chronic back pain and wondering if your facet joints might be the culprit, consult with a board-certified spine specialist. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, pain-free movement might not just be possible—it could be closer than you think.

References

  1. American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians – https://asipp.org
  2. National Library of Medicine – Facet Joint Injections – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30137650/
  3. Cleveland Clinic – Facet Joint Syndrome – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17422-facet-joint-syndrome