What to Expect Before, During, and After a Facet Joint Injection

If you’ve been living with nagging spine pain that flares up every time you twist, bend, or sit too long, you’re not alone. Chronic back pain has a way of disrupting routines and dimming even the best parts of daily life. Maybe you’ve tried physical therapy, stretching routines, and pain medication—only to find that nothing sticks.

When conservative treatments fail, it’s time to consider more targeted options like facet joint injections. At Alta Pain Physicians, this minimally invasive procedure is helping people across Sandy, UT, regain control of their comfort without surgery or long downtime.

Facet joints are the small joints in your spine that help you move and stabilize. Over time, or due to arthritis, scoliosis, or injury, those joints can become inflamed, leading to sharp or aching pain in your back or neck. That pain often travels, radiating to your shoulders, arms, buttocks, or thighs.

Facet joint injections involve guiding a tiny needle directly into those joints and injecting a mix of anesthetic and corticosteroids. The anesthetic helps with immediate relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation for longer-term results. These injections aren’t just for short-term comfort; they’re part of a bigger picture regarding facet joint pain management and non-surgical pain treatment strategies.

We’re talking under 30 minutes from start to finish. You could easily fit it between errands and still have time for coffee.

Why Consider This Option for Back and Neck Pain?

Chronic pain doesn’t just slow you down; it changes how you sleep, move, and even think. The emotional toll is real, which is why treatments that provide fast back and neck pain relief with minimal disruption matter.

Facet joint injections can help in situations where other treatments haven’t delivered lasting results. These include:

Facet joint osteoarthritis and facet joint arthritis
Spinal osteoarthritis
Degenerative spondylolisthesis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Scoliosis-related joint inflammation

When these conditions trigger pain signals, the result is often persistent discomfort in the lower back, neck, or mid-spine area. Chronic back pain treatment helps break that cycle.

How Does Relief from Injections Actually Feel?

What is the most common word we hear? “Lighter.”

People often describe the post-treatment experience as feeling like a weight has been lifted.

Here’s why this matters:

You may notice relief almost immediately after the anesthetic kicks in.
Pain relief can last several weeks to a few months, depending on your condition.
Many patients report improved range of motion, better sleep quality, and a noticeable mood boost.

Unlike surgery, this treatment doesn’t put your life on pause. You can often return to work or normal activities the next day. That’s a win.

Is It Right for Everyone with Spine Pain?

Facet Joint Injections in Sandy, UT, are ideal for people dealing with moderate to severe spine pain that’s stuck around for more than three months. If you’ve tried stretching, over-the-counter medications, or physical therapy without meaningful improvement, spine injection for pain may be the next best step.

You might be a good candidate if you:

Have arthritis or inflammation in your spine
Experience stiffness and pain with movement
Have trouble getting comfortable sitting or lying down
Are looking for a non-surgical pain treatment that works fast
Need help while evaluating long-term options like spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain

Still unsure? That’s normal. A quick consultation can help clear things up and give you confidence in your decision.

Here’s What the Process Looks Like

The prep and recovery are surprisingly manageable. Here’s what to expect, step by step:

Before the Procedure

You’ll be asked to avoid food and drink for several hours before your appointment. Your provider will need a complete list of any medications you’re currently taking, so be sure to have that ready. It’s best to wear loose clothing for comfort since you’ll be lying on either your stomach or back, depending on where the injection is going.

During the Injection

Once you’re positioned, the injection site is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, a small needle is carefully placed into the facet joint using imaging guidance like fluoroscopy or ultrasound. A mixture of anesthetic and steroid medication is injected to target the inflammation and pain. The whole thing usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You might feel a pinch, some pressure, or a mild stinging sensation—but it’s over quickly.

After the Injection

Plan on taking it easy for the rest of the day. It’s normal to feel soreness where the needle went in, but that should fade quickly. Most people can return to work or their normal activities as soon as the next day. Pain relief might kick in right away, or it may gradually improve over a few days.

If you’re also looking into options like spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, this injection can help confirm whether your facet joints are the real source of discomfort before you move forward with something more long-term.

Answers to Common Questions

How long does the relief last?

Results vary. Relief can last from several weeks to a few months. If it helps, your doctor may repeat the treatment as needed.

Yes. When performed by a trained specialist using imaging guidance, the procedure is considered very safe with minimal risk of complications.

Can I drive after my injection?

It’s best to arrange a ride home, as the anesthetic may affect your coordination for a few hours.

Is it painful?

Most patients describe the injection as mildly uncomfortable but manageable. The numbing agent helps ease discomfort almost immediately.

What if it doesn’t work?

If pain relief is short-lived or nonexistent, your provider may recommend diagnostic imaging or explore next steps like SCS pain relief options.

Get Targeted Relief Without Surgery

You have options for managing spine pain, but not all require downtime or prescriptions that mask symptoms. Facet joint injections offer quick, targeted relief that fits your routine without disrupting your life. Whether your pain stems from arthritis, inflammation, or years of wear and tear, you may need this treatment to move more freely again.

Ready to take the next step toward better days? Get Pain Relief Today—Schedule an Appointment with Alta Pain Physicians. They offer Facet Joint Injections in Sandy, UT, as part of a broader pain care approach built around you. There is no pressure—just possibilities.