Chronic back or neck pain can be life-altering—limiting your mobility, your mood, and your overall quality of life. When physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you may be introduced to an advanced treatment option called a facet joint injection.
If you’ve never heard of this procedure, you’re not alone. But according to Jordan Sudberg, a nationally recognized pain management specialist, facet joint injections are one of the most effective tools for diagnosing and relieving pain in the spine.
“Facet joint injections are not just about temporary relief—they can be a critical step in understanding what’s really going on in a patient’s back,” explains Sudberg. “For the right person, they can dramatically reduce pain and restore function.”
In this blog post, we’ll break down what facet joint injections are, how they work, what to expect before and after the procedure, and who may benefit most. With insights from Dr. Jordan Sudberg, you’ll walk away with a full understanding of this procedure—and whether it may be right for you.
What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind each vertebra in the spine. They allow for flexibility and movement in your back and neck—things like bending, twisting, and stretching.
However, like any joint in the body, facet joints can become inflamed or damaged due to:
- Aging and degeneration (osteoarthritis)
- Injuries or trauma
- Repetitive movements
- Poor posture
- Spinal conditions such as spondylosis or spinal stenosis
When these joints become a source of pain, patients may experience localized stiffness, soreness, and radiating pain, especially with certain movements.
What Is a Facet Joint Injection?
A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure where a combination of a steroid (anti-inflammatory) and a local anesthetic is injected directly into the facet joint.
According to Jordan Sudberg, this procedure serves two purposes:
- Diagnostic – To determine whether the facet joint is the actual source of your pain.
- Therapeutic – To reduce inflammation and provide pain relief that may last from days to several months.
“If a patient experiences significant relief after a facet joint injection, it tells us a lot,” says Sudberg. “It helps confirm a diagnosis and opens up new treatment pathways.”
Who Might Benefit from a Facet Joint Injection?
Facet joint injections are often recommended for patients who:
- Have chronic neck, mid-back, or lower back pain
- Experience pain when twisting, bending, or extending the spine
- Have not responded well to conservative treatments like physical therapy or oral medications
- Have conditions like facet joint syndrome, spinal arthritis, or mechanical back pain
Jordan Sudberg explains that careful screening is necessary before recommending the procedure.
“We evaluate the patient’s medical history, imaging results, and symptoms,” he says. “Facet joint injections are best for people whose pain is localized and movement-related.”
The Procedure: What to Expect
Facet joint injections are typically performed in an outpatient setting and take 15 to 30 minutes.
Before the Procedure
- You may be asked to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners.
- You’ll be positioned on your stomach or side on a procedure table.
- A local anesthetic will numb the injection area to ensure minimal discomfort.
During the Procedure
- Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your physician will insert a thin needle into the target facet joint.
- A small amount of contrast dye may be used to ensure correct placement.
- A mixture of steroid and anesthetic is slowly injected.
“Precision is critical,” notes Sudberg. “That’s why we use imaging tools to ensure we’re exactly where we need to be.”
After the Procedure
- Patients are typically monitored for 30–60 minutes.
- You may experience immediate pain relief due to the anesthetic, followed by a return of pain before the steroid kicks in within 2–7 days.
- Most people can return to normal activities the next day, although heavy lifting or strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few days.
How Effective Are Facet Joint Injections?
Facet joint injections don’t work for everyone—but for many, they provide significant relief and improve function.
Jordan Sudberg notes that relief can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual and the severity of the underlying condition.
“If the patient gets good, lasting relief, we may repeat the injection a few times per year,” Sudberg explains. “If the pain returns quickly, we may consider other options like medial branch blocks or radiofrequency ablation.”
In fact, if facet joint injections confirm that the facet joint is the source of pain, your physician may recommend radiofrequency neurotomy—a procedure that targets the nerves around the joint for longer-term relief.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Facet joint injections are considered safe and low-risk, especially when performed by a skilled specialist like Dr. Jordan Sudberg. However, like any medical procedure, there are some potential risks, including:
- Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site
- Temporary increase in pain
- Headache (especially if the injection is in the neck)
- Infection (rare)
- Allergic reaction to medications (very rare)
Most side effects are mild and short-lived, and patients typically resume their normal routine shortly after the procedure.
What Sets Jordan Sudberg Apart
With extensive training in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Jordan Sudberg brings a comprehensive approach to pain management. His use of advanced diagnostics, interventional treatments, and a personalized care model makes him a go-to expert for patients struggling with chronic spine-related pain.
“Pain is complex—it’s physical, emotional, and deeply personal,” Sudberg says. “My goal is to provide not just relief, but a real path forward.”
Patients value his compassionate, science-based approach and his commitment to helping them live fuller, more active lives—even after years of struggling with pain.
Final Thoughts: Is a Facet Joint Injection Right for You?
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing neck or back pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments, a facet joint injection could be a powerful next step.
With the guidance of a trusted specialist like Jordan Sudberg, you can determine whether your facet joints are the root cause—and explore treatment options designed to restore your function and comfort.
“You don’t have to accept pain as your normal,” Sudberg reminds us. “With the right tools and the right team, recovery is absolutely possible.”