• 23 May, 2026
• UnityPain
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Facet Joint Injection for Back Pain | Unity Pain

When Back Pain Feels Like It Will Never End

Living with back pain is exhausting. It can make simple things — like getting out of bed, picking up a grandchild, or sitting through a meal — feel impossible. If you have been dealing with back pain for weeks, months, or even years, you are not alone. Millions of people struggle with chronic back pain every day. The good news is that there are real treatment options that may help, and one of them is called a facet joint injection.

This article will explain what facet joint injections are, how they work, and what you might expect if your doctor recommends one. As with any medical treatment, it is important to talk with a qualified provider to find out if this option is right for you.

What Are Facet Joints?

Your spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra, there are small joints called facet joints. These joints help your spine move smoothly. They allow you to bend forward, lean back, and twist from side to side. You have facet joints all along your spine — in your neck, mid-back, and lower back.

Like any joint in the body, facet joints can become inflamed or worn down over time. This is especially common as people get older. Conditions like osteoarthritis, injury, or general wear and tear can cause these joints to become painful. When the facet joints in your lower back are inflamed, you may feel a deep, aching pain that may spread into your buttocks or thighs. When facet joints in the neck are affected, pain can travel into the shoulders or upper back.

What Is a Facet Joint Injection?

A facet joint injection is a small procedure where medicine is placed directly into or near a painful facet joint. The medicine usually includes a local anesthetic (to numb the area quickly) and a corticosteroid (to reduce swelling and inflammation). By targeting the exact joint that is causing pain, the injection may provide relief that oral medications cannot always achieve.

The procedure is also used as a diagnostic tool. This means that if your pain goes away after the injection, it confirms that the facet joint was indeed the source of your pain. This information can help your doctor plan the best long-term treatment for you. It is a valuable step in understanding exactly where your pain is coming from.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Facet joint injections are typically done in a clinic or outpatient setting. The procedure itself is usually quick — often taking only 15 to 30 minutes. You will lie on a table, and the skin over the injection area will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic first. Your doctor will use fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to see exactly where to place the needle. This helps ensure the medicine goes to the right spot.

Most people tolerate the procedure well. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the injection, but many patients say it is much less painful than they expected. After the injection, you will typically rest for a short time before going home. You may notice some soreness at the injection site for a day or two. It is common for your doctor to ask you to keep a pain diary in the days following the injection so you can track how your symptoms respond.

What Results Can You Expect?

Results from facet joint injections vary from person to person. Some people notice significant pain relief within a day or two. Others may need a few days before they feel the full effect of the corticosteroid. In some cases, relief may last for several weeks or months. For other patients, the benefit may be shorter-lived. It is important to have realistic expectations and to stay in close contact with your care team about how you are feeling.

Facet joint injections are not a permanent cure for back pain, and no one can guarantee a specific outcome. However, when they work well, they can provide a meaningful window of relief — enough to allow you to participate more actively in physical therapy or daily activities that support your recovery. They are often used as part of a broader pain management plan rather than as a stand-alone treatment.

Are There Any Risks?

Like all medical procedures, facet joint injections carry some risks, though serious complications are uncommon. The most common side effects include temporary soreness at the injection site, mild flushing, or a brief increase in blood sugar for people with diabetes. More serious risks — such as infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation — are rare but possible. Your provider will review your full medical history before the procedure to make sure it is safe for you.

People who take blood thinners, have active infections, or are allergic to any of the medications used may not be good candidates for this procedure. Always be honest and thorough when sharing your medical history with your provider. Open communication helps your care team make the safest and most effective plan for your needs.

Is a Facet Joint Injection Right for You?

Only a qualified pain management provider can determine if a facet joint injection is the right step for your specific situation. A thorough evaluation — including your medical history, physical exam, and possibly imaging like an MRI or X-ray — is needed before any procedure is recommended. At Unity Pain Management in Modesto, CA, patients receive personalized evaluations to help identify the true source of their pain and explore appropriate treatment options.

If you have been struggling with back pain and feel like you have run out of options, reaching out to a pain specialist may open new doors. Unity Pain Management offers a range of services and accepts most insurance plans, making it easier to get the care you deserve. You do not have to keep living in pain without answers.

A Message of Hope

Back pain can wear you down — physically, emotionally, and mentally. But there are real, evidence-based options available that may help you feel better and get back to the life you love. Facet joint injections are one piece of the puzzle, and for many patients, they have made a real difference. Take the first step by talking to a provider who truly listens. Relief may be closer than you think.

References

• Manchikanti, Laxmaiah et al. “Effectiveness of Therapeutic Lumbar Facet Joint Nerve Blocks in Chronic Low Back Pain.” Pain Physician. 2012.
• Cohen, Steven P. and Sina Hooten, W. “Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Neck Pain.” BMJ. 2017.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Low Back Pain Fact Sheet.” National Institutes of Health. 2023.
• Dreyfuss, Paul et al. “Efficacy and Validity of Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Chronic Lumbar Zygapophysial Joint Pain.” Spine. 2000.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Back Pain — Diagnosis and Treatment.” Mayo Clinic. 2023.