Can You Repeat Facet Joint Injections?

For those who respond well but find that pain eventually returns, repeat injections are an option. Typically, these are performed no more than three to four times a year. Each session builds on the previous one, and many patients notice that their pain-free intervals become longer over time. Repeating the treatment is safe when done under the supervision of an experienced physician.

How Long Do Facet Joint Injections Last?

If you’re living with persistent back or neck pain that disrupts your daily life, you’re not alone. Many people dealing with spinal discomfort search tirelessly for solutions that are both effective and long-lasting. The frustration often lies in treatments that promise relief but fade quickly, leaving you back where you started. Whether it’s difficulty bending, turning your head, or even getting a restful night’s sleep, chronic joint pain can affect your work, mobility, and quality of life. That’s why more patients today are turning to facet joint injections, a minimally invasive approach designed to target pain at its source and help you reclaim control over your body.

At Alta Pain Physicians, patients seeking facet joint injections in Sandy and Bountiful, UT often ask one key question before committing: “How long will the results last?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but understanding how these injections work, what influences their longevity, and what you can realistically expect can help you make an informed decision about your next step toward lasting relief.

Facet joints are the small, paired joints in your spine that provide stability and guide movement. Over time, these joints can become inflamed or arthritic due to conditions like spinal osteoarthritis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, or rheumatoid arthritis. When that happens, even simple motions, twisting, bending, or lifting, can trigger pain. Professional Facet joint injections aim to alleviate this inflammation directly at the source by delivering a mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the affected joint.

These injections serve both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. In many cases, they confirm whether the facet joints are indeed the source of the pain. If pain relief follows, it signals that the joints are indeed responsible, guiding future treatment decisions.

What to Expect Immediately After the Procedure

The procedure is quick, typically taking less than 30 minutes, and is performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precise placement. Many patients feel relief within hours due to the anesthetic component, though this initial improvement may fade as the anesthetic wears off. The corticosteroid injection takes longer to take effect, typically delivering noticeable pain relief within 3 to 7 days.

Patients often return to normal activities within a day. Some report mild soreness at the injection site, but this is temporary and usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours.

Duration of Pain Relief: What the Evidence Shows

The longevity of relief varies significantly from person to person. On average, facet joint injections can provide meaningful pain relief for several weeks to several months. Many patients experience relief lasting 2 to 4 months, while some enjoy benefits for as long as 6 months or more. The duration depends on factors such as the severity of joint degeneration, the extent of inflammation, and individual healing responses.

For example, someone with mild inflammation might experience longer relief compared to someone with advanced spinal arthritis. Repeated injections, administered at appropriate intervals, prolong the period of comfort and enhance long-term outcomes.

Factors That Influence How Long Relief Lasts

Severity and Cause of Pain

Patients with inflammation primarily due to arthritis may find that their relief lasts longer compared to those with more complex conditions, such as scoliosis or degenerative disc disease. The more advanced the degeneration, the shorter the effect may be.

Overall Health and Lifestyle

Lifestyle habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, and following a spine-strengthening program can support the results of facet joint injections. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle or smoking can shorten the duration of relief.

Adjunct Therapies

Patients who pair injections with physical therapy, stretching routines, or other non-surgical interventions often report more durable outcomes. These therapies strengthen supporting muscles and improve spinal alignment, reducing strain on the joints.

Body’s Response to Corticosteroids

The anti-inflammatory effects of a corticosteroid injection vary. Some individuals metabolize the medication more quickly, shortening its duration. Others have a more prolonged response, extending relief for months.

Unlike oral medications, which can have systemic side effects, facet joint injections in Sandy and Bountiful, UT act directly at the site of inflammation. They also offer a non-surgical alternative for patients not ready for or not eligible for spine surgery. Compared to more generalized joint pain therapy, these injections provide targeted relief, which is especially valuable when pain is localized in the spine.

Some patients consider radiofrequency ablation after successful diagnostic injections. This minimally invasive procedure utilizes heat to disrupt the nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints. It can offer longer-lasting results, often lasting 9 to 12 months, but facet joint injections remain an essential first step for both diagnosis and treatment.

What Patients Say About Results

Many individuals report a significant improvement in mobility and daily function following facet joint injections. Activities like gardening, walking, or simply sitting comfortably become possible again. Because the treatment reduces inflammation and calms nerve irritation, patients often find they rely less on pain medications and can return to the activities they enjoy without ongoing discomfort.

However, it’s also realistic to acknowledge that results vary. Some experience shorter relief windows, particularly if their condition is progressive. Working closely with a provider to monitor your response and plan future care can make a significant difference in long-term results.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

Chronic back or neck pain doesn’t have to dictate your daily life. If conservative measures haven’t delivered the relief you need, facet joint injections could offer the solution you’ve been seeking. They target pain directly at its source, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility, all without the downtime or risks associated with surgery.

At Alta Pain Physicians, we offer personalized treatment plans to help you achieve lasting relief and resume the activities you enjoy. To learn more or to take the first step toward comfort and improved quality of life, Contact us today!

Lasting Relief Starts Here: Take Control of Your Spinal Health

Living with spine-related pain can be exhausting, but solutions like facet joint injections offer hope for meaningful, lasting relief. Whether you’re dealing with chronic discomfort from arthritis or looking for a non-surgical back pain treatment, these injections can significantly reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Many patients find that their results last for several months, and repeat treatments can further extend the benefits.

If you’re ready to explore your options and learn how this effective joint pain therapy could help you, contact us to discuss your personalized plan. With the expert care provided by Alta Pain Physicians, you’re one step closer to lasting spine pain relief and a better quality of life.