OUR SERVICES
Facet Joint Injections
Precision Relief for Back & Neck Pain
If you are experiencing persistent back or neck pain that interferes with your daily activities, you may be suffering from Facet Joint Syndrome. These small, hinge-like joints in your spine are essential for flexibility, but they are also common sources of chronic pain due to injury or age-related wear. At New South Medical, we offer facet joint injections as a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and help you get back to your active lifestyle.
What is a Facet Joint Injection?
A facet joint injection is a specialized procedure that involves placing a small amount of local anesthetic and potent anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids) directly into the facet joint. These joints are located at the back of each vertebra, acting as the stabilizing hinges of your spine. When these joints become inflamed, they can cause significant pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. By delivering medication directly to the source of the inflammation, we can provide immediate diagnostic information and lasting therapeutic relief.
Conditions We Treat
We utilize facet joint injections to address a variety of spinal conditions, including:
Facet Joint Syndrome:
Chronic irritation and inflammation of the joint capsule.
Spinal Arthritis:
Age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis) of the facet cartilage.
Post-Traumatic Pain:
Back or neck pain resulting from sports injuries, falls, or auto accidents.
Spinal Stiffness:
Difficulty twisting or bending backward due to joint restriction.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Your safety and accuracy are our top priorities. The procedure is performed in our office-based suite and typically takes between 5 to 15 minutes.
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Preparation: You will be positioned comfortably on the procedure table. The target area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
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Fluoroscopic Guidance: Using live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), our specialists guide a small needle with pinpoint accuracy into the facet joint. This ensures the medication is delivered exactly where it is needed most.
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The Injection: A small amount of contrast dye is used to confirm proper needle placement. Once confirmed, the mixture of anesthetic and steroid is injected into the joint capsule.
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Recovery: You will remain in the clinic for a short observation period before being cleared to return home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How soon will I feel relief?
You may experience immediate pain relief due to the local anesthetic, which often wears off after a few hours. The steroid component typically begins to reduce inflammation and provide longer-term relief within 3 to 7 days.
Are these injections painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort, similar to a standard blood draw. We apply a local anesthetic to your skin first to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
How long does the pain relief last?
Results vary by patient. For many, a single injection provides several months of relief. If your pain returns, these injections can be repeated or used in conjunction with other treatments like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting results.
Can I return to my normal routine?
Most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities the day following the procedure. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours to allow the injection site to settle.