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Persistent back or neck pain has a way of creeping into everything. Turning your head, standing up after sitting, or even sleeping can start to feel like a negotiation with your spine. If you’ve been told your facet joints might be involved, the next question is usually simple: “Do I start with an injection, or is radiofrequency ablation a better fit?”
That is where Facet Joint Injections fit in. At Alta Pain Physicians, we offer Facet Joint Injections. Are you near Bountiful or Sandy? If you are seeking Facet Joint Injections in Bountiful & Sandy, UT, or Radiofrequency Ablation in Bountiful & Sandy, UT, our medical team can help you determine whether these treatments align with your aesthetic goals.
Why facet joints can be the culprit
Facet joints are small joints along the spine that guide motion and provide stability. They can become inflamed due to arthritis or injury, causing aching, stiffness, and pain that flares with twisting, bending backward, or staying in one position too long.
This is why facet joint arthritis pain treatment often starts by targeting these joints directly. When the true pain generator is found, treatment becomes far more predictable.
How a Facet Joint Injection Works
A facet joint injection places medication right into the irritated joint. At Alta Pain Physicians, an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is delivered into the facet joint to reduce inflammation and help pinpoint the source of pain.
Here’s what the visit typically looks like:
- Outpatient procedure with fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance) for accurate placement
- A local anesthetic to numb the area before the injection
- Often completed in about 10 to 15 minutes
Because the anesthetic can work quickly, many patients notice relief right away. Even when relief is temporary, it can still be useful. The response can confirm the facet joint as the source, which helps guide the next step in care. In that sense, Facet Joint Injections can be both therapeutic and diagnostic.
Before your appointment, your clinician may ask you to avoid blood thinners as directed and to arrange a ride home. Afterward, mild soreness is common, and most people return to normal daily activity the next day while avoiding strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Works
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treats pain differently. Rather than placing medication in a joint, it targets the nerve tissue that carries pain signals from the painful area. At Alta Pain Physicians, RFA is used for chronic pain in the cervical, lumbar, thoracic, and sacral regions of the spine.
During RFA:
- The procedure is outpatient and performed with local or twilight anesthesia
- A probe is guided into the targeted area with advanced imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds
- Radiofrequency energy heats and disrupts the nerve tissue sending pain signals
Many patients notice improvement within 1 to 2 weeks, and relief may last from six months to several years. For many people, radiofrequency ablation for chronic back pain becomes a practical next step when injections help, but the relief does not stick.
Alta Pain Physicians also notes that candidacy matters. A complete ultrasound examination is essential when determining whether RFA is appropriate, which helps keep the plan grounded in real findings.
Facet Joint Injection vs Radiofrequency Ablation
Both procedures fall under spine pain management techniques, but they do different jobs.
A facet injection is often used to:
- Reduce joint inflammation
- Provide fast feedback about whether the facet joints are the pain source
- Offer temporary relief that may support movement and physical therapy
RFA is often used to:
- Provide longer-lasting relief by treating the nerve supply to the painful area
- Address ongoing pain after a positive response to an injection or diagnostic block
- Target facet-related pain with options like radiofrequency ablation for facet joints and radiofrequency nerve ablation for facet joints
You might also see broader labels online, such as spine nerve pain treatments or facet joint degeneration relief. What matters most is matching the tool to the pattern of your pain.
What to Expect
After a facet injection, it’s normal to feel tenderness at the injection site for a short time. Most patients are back to their usual daily routines the next day, with a brief pause on heavy lifting and intense exercise.
After RFA, downtime is typically minimal. Many patients return to regular activities after a day or two of rest. Early on, regular walking and avoiding strenuous activity can be helpful while your body settles and symptom improvement builds over the next week or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do facet joint injections help diagnose the source of back pain?
Yes, they can. Because the injection includes an anesthetic, the amount and timing of relief can help confirm whether the facet joints are contributing to symptoms. This feedback can be valuable when your pain could be coming from multiple structures in the spine.
How long do facet joint injections last?
Relief varies from person to person, but it commonly lasts several weeks to several months. Even if the effect fades, the response can still guide next steps by confirming the facet joints as a meaningful pain source. Many people use that window to move more freely and rebuild routines.
How long does radiofrequency ablation last?
Many patients experience relief that lasts from six months to several years. Improvement often occurs within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure, rather than immediately, because the nerve tissue needs time to recover fully.
Is radiofrequency ablation safe, and what is recovery like?
RFA is minimally invasive and typically has low downtime. Some people notice temporary numbness or soreness at the treatment site. Many return to regular activities after a day or two of rest, then gradually increase activity as symptoms improve. Your clinician will also review medications and after-care instructions ahead of time.
Which is better: an injection or radiofrequency ablation?
Neither is “better” for everyone. Injections can reduce inflammation quickly and clarify the pain source. RFA is often considered when the pain is chronic, and an injection suggests facet involvement, but longer relief is the priority. Your exam, imaging, and response to treatment usually guide the choice.
Glow Up Your Health
Chronic spine pain is draining, especially when you’ve tried stretches, rest, and medications, and it still keeps coming back. If you want a clear plan that matches your symptoms and goals, Alta Pain Physicians can help you sort out whether an injection, RFA, or a step-by-step approach makes the most sense for you. Book Your Injection Appointment Today!
