For many individuals, the source of chronic neck or back pain lies in the small joints along the spine known as facet joints. When these joints become inflamed or arthritic, they can cause ongoing discomfort that sometimes doesn’t improve adequately with medication, physical therapy, or rest.
One treatment option that award-winning pain management specialist Dr. John S. Michels may recommend is facet joint injections. This minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure can provide meaningful relief.
Facet joints are small, paired joints located between the vertebrae in your spine. They act like hinges, allowing flexibility while keeping the spine stable.
Over time, these joints can develop arthritis, injury, or wear-and-tear changes, leading to stiffness, aching, and radiating pain. Unlike nerve-related pain, facet joint pain usually feels localized and may worsen with specific movements like twisting or leaning backward.
During the procedure, Dr. Michels injects a small amount of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication (typically a steroid) into the affected joint. The in-office procedure normally takes less than 15 minutes.
Advanced imaging (fluoroscopy) ensures accurate delivery of the medication, which is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
If your pain improves shortly after the injection, it helps confirm that the facet joints are the source of discomfort.
The steroid works to reduce inflammation inside the joint, which can provide relief that can last from weeks to months.
Dr. Michels typically considers facet joint injections for patients who have chronic neck, mid-back, or lower back pain that hasn’t improved with conservative care.
Other reasons to consider facet joint injections include:
These injections are not a cure for arthritis or structural problems in the spine, but they can significantly improve function and relieve pain. This allows you to engage more fully in physical therapy, exercise, and daily activities.
The most significant advantage of facet joint injections is that they are effective and nonsurgical. No incisions are required for these in-office injections with minimal downtime afterward.
For many, the injection provides a much-needed window of relief, giving them the ability to move more comfortably, sleep better, and regain quality of life. For longer relief, Dr. Michels may recommend radiofrequency ablation, a specialty treatment that can relieve pain for up to two years.
Facet joint injections offer a safe, targeted, and effective option for patients whose pain stems from these small but essential joints. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Michels at ISP Health in Dallas, Texas, today. We are here to help.
