Chronic back or neck pain can significantly affect your quality of life, limiting movement, disrupting sleep, and making everyday tasks difficult. When conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication do not provide lasting relief, more targeted solutions may be necessary. One highly effective option for many patients is pain relief with facet joint injections.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (https://www.ninds.nih.gov/), back pain is one of the most common neurological conditions, and understanding its underlying causes is essential for selecting appropriate treatment options. Targeted interventional procedures can play an important role when standard therapies are not sufficient.
At Airport Plaza Spine and Wellness, we help patients understand their treatment options and choose solutions that address the root cause of their pain. This guide explains how facet joint injections work, who can benefit, and what patients can expect from the procedure.
What Are Facet Joints and Why Do They Cause Pain?
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae in the spine. They allow controlled movement such as bending, twisting, and rotation while maintaining spinal stability.
Over time, these joints can become irritated or inflamed due to:
- Arthritis or age-related degeneration
- Repetitive stress or poor posture
- Previous injuries or trauma
- Spinal misalignment
When facet joints are inflamed, they can cause localized pain or pain that radiates into the shoulders, hips, or legs.
Understanding Pain Relief with Facet Joint Injections
Pain relief with facet joint injections involves delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly into or near the affected facet joint. This targeted approach helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Facet joint injections typically contain:
- A local anesthetic for immediate relief
- A corticosteroid to reduce inflammation over time
Because the medication is placed precisely at the source of pain, many patients experience faster and more effective results than with oral medications alone.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facet Joint Injections?
Facet joint injections may be recommended for patients experiencing chronic neck or back pain that has not responded to conservative care. They are often used both as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Persistent neck or lower back pain
- Pain worsened by twisting or bending
- Limited spinal mobility
- Degenerative joint conditions
At Airport Plaza Spine and Wellness, a thorough evaluation is performed to determine whether facet joint injections are appropriate for your condition.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive and typically performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is guided by imaging to ensure accuracy and safety.
During the injection:
- The treatment area is cleaned and numbed
- Imaging guidance helps pinpoint the joint
- Medication is carefully injected
Most procedures take less than 30 minutes, and patients can usually return home the same day.
Recovery and Results
Many patients experience immediate relief from the anesthetic, followed by longer-term improvement as the anti-inflammatory medication takes effect. Results can last weeks or even months, depending on the individual condition.
Facet joint injections can help:
- Reduce inflammation and pain
- Improve range of motion
- Support participation in physical therapy
- Delay or avoid more invasive procedures
Your provider at Airport Plaza Spine and Wellness will monitor your progress and adjust your care plan as needed.
Benefits of Choosing Facet Joint Injections
Compared to surgical options, facet joint injections offer several advantages:
- Minimally invasive
- Low risk and quick recovery
- Targeted pain relief
- Can be repeated if medically appropriate
They are often part of a comprehensive pain management strategy designed to restore function and improve daily comfort.
Why Professional Evaluation Matters
Not all back or neck pain originates from the same source. Accurate diagnosis is essential to achieving effective results. Attempting treatment without professional guidance may delay recovery or worsen symptoms.
At Airport Plaza Spine and Wellness, we focus on personalized care, advanced diagnostic techniques, and evidence-based treatments to help patients achieve meaningful pain relief.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If chronic spine pain is interfering with your life, exploring pain relief with facet joint injections may be the next step toward recovery. Professional evaluation ensures safe treatment and optimal outcomes.
📞 Call Airport Plaza Spine and Wellness at (732) 264-2233 or (732) END PAIN to schedule your consultation today.
🌐 Visit our website: https://airportplazaspineandwellness.com/
