Facet Joint Injections for Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Pain

Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve pain originating from the small joints in the spine. At American Pain & Wellness, we provide expert evaluation and targeted injections for cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) facet joints to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.

What Are Facet Joints?

Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between each vertebra in the spine. They help guide motion and provide stability while allowing flexibility. When these joints become irritated or inflamed, it can lead to localized back or neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Common causes of facet joint pain include:

• Degenerative arthritis — wear-and-tear changes in the joints over time 
• Injury or trauma — including whiplash or falls 
• Poor posture or repetitive strain — contributing to joint stress 
• Spinal alignment changes — from aging or underlying conditions 

Facet joint irritation can affect any region of the spine, resulting in localized or referred pain along the back, neck, or extremities.

Symptoms Treated by Facet Injections

Patients may benefit from facet joint injections if they experience:

• Persistent neck, mid-back, or lower back pain 
• Pain that worsens with movement or certain positions 
• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the spine 
• Referred pain radiating to the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs 

Facet joint injections can also help confirm the source of pain during diagnostic evaluation.

How Facet Joint Injections Work

Facet joint injections involve delivering a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication directly into the affected joint(s). This serves two purposes:

1. Pain Relief — the corticosteroid reduces inflammation and irritation within the joint 
2. Diagnostic Clarity — temporary pain relief helps confirm whether the facet joint is the source of discomfort 

Injections are typically performed under imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound) to ensure precision and safety.

Treatment Process at American Pain & Wellness

• Evaluation — thorough medical history, physical examination, and review of imaging studies 
• Procedure — minimally invasive injection performed under sterile conditions with real-time imaging guidance 
• Recovery and Follow-Up — most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, with ongoing monitoring to assess pain relief and functional improvement 

Multiple injections may be performed in cases of multi-level or widespread facet joint involvement.

Benefits of Facet Joint Injections

• Targeted pain relief in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine 
• Minimally invasive with a low risk of complications 
• Can reduce reliance on oral pain medications 
• May improve mobility, function, and quality of life 
• Useful as both a therapeutic and diagnostic tool 

Why Choose American Pain & Wellness

• Expertise in precision-guided facet joint injections 
• Comprehensive evaluation to identify the exact source of spinal pain 
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition and goals 
• Commitment to patient safety, comfort, and long-term pain management 

If you are experiencing chronic neck, mid-back, or lower back pain, American Pain & Wellness can provide expert care and targeted facet joint injections to help relieve discomfort and restore function. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your treatment options.