In today’s world, chronic back and neck pain is the most common health problem that affects people of all ages, whether it’s young, a teen, an adult, or an elderly citizen. If you’re having constant back or neck pain, which keeps you away from enjoying your life freely, then you are not alone. Many people struggle with chronic spinal discomfort that doesn’t get relieved with rest and painkillers. This pain originates from the small joints in the spine, known as facet joints, which can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and limited mobility.
When the traditional treatments like medication, yoga, or physical therapy are not providing sufficient relief, then the doctor recommends taking facet joint injections for joint pain. A facet joint injection can provide quick relief and help patients move comfortably. These injections offer a safe and effective, minimally invasive treatment to relieve pain and restore mobility.
In this blog, we’ll explain how it works, its benefits, and possible risks.
What are Facet Injections?
Facet injections are a medical treatment that is used to relieve pain that originates from the facet joints. Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae in your spine. These joints help with stability and movement, but they can be inflamed or irritated due to conditions like arthritis, injury, or degenerative changes in the spine. Facet injections are a minimally invasive procedure that provides relief from this type of pain by delivering a small amount of anaesthetic and corticosteroid medication directly into the affected joints, and help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve movement. The main purpose of Facet Injections is to diagnose and treat pain that comes from the facet joints.
Types of Facet Injections:
- Diagnostic Facet Joint Injection
- Therapeutic Facet Joint Injection
- Medical Branch Block(MBB)
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
When are The Facet Injections Recommended?
Your doctor may suggest facet injections if you are suffering from:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Pain that arises when bending and twisting
- Pain from degenerative arthritis or spinal spondylosis
If you are facing these kinds of problems and not getting relief from painkillers and any other medication, then get a facet injection, which is recommended by your doctor.
Why is this Procedure Performed?
Your doctor may suggest Facet Joint Injections when you are suffering from chronic pain or neck pain in your body. These injections are performed primarily to diagnose and treat pain originating from the spine’s facet joints. It is performed under fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance. The injection ensures precision and safety. This procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, and the patients can return to normal activities soon.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- The patient lies on an X-ray table.
- The doctor uses imaging guidance to locate the affected joint.
- A fine needle is inserted into the facet joint area.
- The medication of an anaesthetic & corticosteroid is injected.
- Relief may occur within hours or in a few days and can last for many months or years.
Benefits of Facet Injections
Here are some main benefits of Facet Injections for back & neck pain:
- Quick pain relief: It helps to provide quick relief from chronic back and neck pain.
- Reduced Inflammation: The corticosteroid component of the injection helps decrease inflammation in the joint.
- Minimally Invasive and low risk: The Facet injections are a safe procedure with minimal recovery time, as they avoid the need for surgery in many cases.
- Reduced need for oral medications: Getting the facet injection can reduce the risk of side effects associated with long-term medication use.
- Improved movement and posture: It allows patients to move more freely, perform daily activities comfortably, and participate more effectively in physical therapy or exercise programs.
- Short Procedure Time and Quick Recovery: The injection usually takes 20–30 minutes, and most patients can return to normal activities the same day.
- Suitable for young patients: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be directly injected into the facet joints in young patients with mild to moderate joint degeneration.
Possible Side-Effects of Facet Injections
Facet injections are generally considered safe and minimally invasive. However, like any medical procedure, they may have some side effects; most of them are mild and temporary.
- Soreness and Discomfort at the injection site: You can have mild pain, tenderness, or an injury mark where the needle was inserted. This usually resolves within a few days.
- Temporary Numbness or Weakness: Because of the anaesthetic in the injection, it may cause short-term numbness or weakness in the body.
- Flare-up of pain: Some patients experience a brief increase in pain for a day or a couple of days after the injection before relief sets in.
- Infection (rare): As with any injection, there is a very small risk of infection at the injection site.
- Bleeding or Bruising: Minor bleeding or bruising may occur, particularly in those patients who are taking blood-thinning medications.
Read More: Discover Trigger Point Injections for Fast Pain Relief!
Best Clinic For Facet Injections – Pain Medics Clinic
Pain Medics clinic is one of the best clinics for facet injections to treat chronic back & neck pain. This is the only clinic in the region that is run by a World Institute of Pain Certified Doctor. Our clinic is known for its experienced doctors, advanced facilities, and patient-focused approach. Our team uses safe and precise techniques to give facet injections, aiming to reduce pain quickly and improve mobility.
Pain Medics Clinic also provides clear guidance before and after the procedure, so that patients feel informed and confident about their treatment. With a strong commitment to quality care, modern technology, and excellent patient care, Pain Medics Clinic has built a reputation for helping people get relief from back and neck pains. We are a trusted choice for those who are seeking effective and compassionate pain management.
