Our Services

Joint Injection Treatments for Chronic Pain Relief

What Are Joint Injections?

Joint injections are minimally invasive procedures that deliver medication — typically a combination of a corticosteroid and local anesthetic — directly into or near a painful joint or soft tissue structure. By placing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medicine exactly where it is needed, joint injections provide targeted relief that oral medications often cannot match.

Joint injections for pain are among the most frequently performed procedures in interventional pain management. They serve a dual purpose: they provide therapeutic relief by reducing inflammation and pain, and they offer diagnostic value by helping your physician confirm the exact source of your discomfort.

At Southwest Pain Management, Dr. Philip Morgan has been providing joint injection treatments to patients across Southern California for over 30 years. With offices in Ventura, Woodland Hills, and Hawthorne, we make it convenient for patients throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding communities to access expert pain care.

Whether you are struggling with chronic low back pain from facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or muscle-related pain from trigger points, our team offers a full range of joint injection therapies tailored to your needs.

Tired of living with chronic joint pain? Contact Southwest Pain Management today to schedule your consultation and learn how joint injections can help. We see patients in Ventura, Woodland Hills, and Hawthorne.

How Joint Injections Relieve Pain

Joint pain often results from inflammation within or around a joint. Arthritis, injury, repetitive stress, and degenerative changes can all cause the tissues in and around joints to become inflamed, swollen, and painful.

Joint injections work by delivering potent anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of inflammation. The corticosteroid component reduces swelling and calms the immune response, while the local anesthetic provides immediate short-term pain relief. This combination offers both fast-acting and longer-lasting benefits.

Additionally, because the medication bypasses the digestive system and goes straight to the problem area, it can be far more effective at lower doses than oral anti-inflammatory drugs. This targeted approach also minimizes the systemic side effects associated with long-term oral medication use.

All joint injections at Southwest Pain Management are performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to ensure precise needle placement. Image-guided injections have been shown to be significantly more accurate and effective than blind injections.

Types of Joint Injections We Offer

Facet Joint Injections

The facet joints are small, paired joints located along the back of your spine at each vertebral level. They allow your spine to bend, twist, and extend. When these joints become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or degeneration, they can cause significant back or neck pain.

Lumbar facet joint injections target facet joints in the lower back and are one of the most common treatments for chronic low back pain that worsens with standing, twisting, or bending backward.

Facet joint injections can treat: – Facet joint syndrome (facet arthropathy) – Cervical facet pain (neck pain with limited rotation) – Lumbar facet pain (low back pain worse with extension) – Spinal osteoarthritis – Pain following spinal injury

Facet injections also serve an important diagnostic role. If your pain improves significantly after the injection, it confirms the facet joint as the pain source. This may lead to more targeted treatments such as radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.

Learn more about facet joint injections and how they treat spinal joint pain.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

The sacroiliac joints connect your sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) to your pelvis. These large joints bear significant weight and stress, particularly during walking, running, and climbing stairs. When the SI joint becomes inflamed or dysfunctional, it can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, hip, and even down the leg — symptoms that are often mistaken for sciatica or hip problems.

SI joint injections deliver corticosteroid medication directly into the sacroiliac joint to reduce inflammation and pain. Like facet injections, they also serve as a diagnostic tool — confirming that the SI joint is the true source of pain.

Conditions treated with SI joint injections include: – Sacroiliac joint dysfunction – SI joint inflammation (sacroiliitis) – Pain related to pregnancy or childbirth – Post-traumatic SI joint pain – Ankylosing spondylitis-related SI pain – Degenerative changes in the SI joint

SI joint dysfunction is a surprisingly common cause of lower back and buttock pain that is frequently misdiagnosed. Accurate diagnosis through an SI joint injection can be the first step toward lasting relief.

Discover how sacroiliac joint injections can address your lower back and hip pain.

Myofascial Trigger Point Injections

Myofascial trigger points are tight, painful “knots” that develop within muscles. These knots can cause localized pain at the site and referred pain in other areas of the body. For example, a trigger point in your upper back may cause headaches or pain that radiates down your arm.

Trigger point injections involve inserting a small needle directly into the trigger point and injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid. The injection relaxes the knotted muscle, reduces inflammation, and relieves both local and referred pain.

Myofascial trigger point injections are effective for: – Myofascial pain syndrome  – Chronic tension headaches and migraines – Fibromyalgia-related muscle pain  – Neck pain with muscle tightness – Upper and lower back muscle pain – Repetitive strain injuries

Many patients experience significant pain relief within minutes of a trigger point injection, making it one of the fastest-acting treatments in pain management.

Find out if trigger point injections can relieve your muscle pain and tension.

Living with chronic joint or muscle pain? Southwest Pain Management offers a complete range of joint injection therapies across our Ventura, Woodland Hills, and Hawthorne offices. Call today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Philip Morgan.

Conditions Treated with Joint Injections

Joint injections for pain can address a wide variety of conditions:

Who Is a Candidate for Joint Injections?

You may be a good candidate for joint injections if:

  • You have chronic joint or muscle pain that has not responded to rest, oral medications, or physical therapy
  • Imaging or physical examination suggests a specific joint or muscle as the pain source
  • You want a minimally invasive treatment option before considering surgery
  • You need diagnostic confirmation of the pain source to guide further treatment
  • You want to improve your ability to participate in physical therapy or exercise

Joint injections are not appropriate for everyone. Patients with active infections, bleeding disorders, or allergies to injection components may need alternative approaches. During your consultation, Dr. Morgan will determine if joint injections are safe and appropriate for you.

The Joint Injection Procedure: What to Expect

Before your appointment: – Inform your care team of all current medications, especially blood thinners – You may be asked to fast for a few hours if sedation is planned – Arrange for a ride home (recommended for all injection procedures)

During the procedure: 1. You will be positioned comfortably on a procedure table 2. The skin over the injection site is cleaned and sterilized 3. A local anesthetic numbs the skin and surrounding tissue 4. Using fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance, the physician precisely guides the needle to the target joint or trigger point 5. Contrast dye may be injected to confirm accurate placement (for joint injections) 6. The corticosteroid and anesthetic mixture is slowly delivered 7. The needle is removed and a small bandage is applied

Procedure duration: Most joint injections take 10 to 20 minutes. The entire visit, including preparation and recovery monitoring, is typically one to two hours.

After the procedure: – You may notice immediate pain relief from the anesthetic – The corticosteroid begins working within 2 to 7 days – Mild soreness at the injection site is normal and resolves quickly – Ice application can help with any post-injection discomfort

Recovery and Results

Recovery from joint injections is minimal. Most patients:

  • Return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours
  • Experience maximum benefit within one to two weeks
  • Enjoy pain relief lasting weeks to several months
  • May benefit from a series of injections for cumulative results

Your results will depend on the specific condition being treated, the severity of inflammation, and your overall health. Southwest Pain Management develops individualized follow-up plans to optimize and extend your pain relief.

Benefits of Joint Injection Therapy

Comparing Joint Injection Types

Feature Facet Joint Injection SI Joint Injection Trigger Point Injection
Target Spinal facet joints Sacroiliac joint (pelvis) Muscle trigger points
Pain location Neck, back (along spine) Lower back, buttocks, hip, leg Localized muscle + referred pain
Primary conditions Facet syndrome, spinal arthritis SI joint dysfunction, sacroiliitis Myofascial pain, tension headaches
Guidance used Fluoroscopy Fluoroscopy or ultrasound Palpation or ultrasound
Procedure time 10–20 min 10–20 min 5–15 min
Anesthesia Local Local Local
Recovery 24–48 hours 24–48 hours Same day
Results duration Weeks to months Weeks to months Days to weeks

Joint Injections as Part of a Comprehensive Plan

At Southwest Pain Management, we believe joint injections are most effective when they are part of a broader, multimodal treatment strategy. Joint injections can provide the window of pain relief needed to engage more fully in:

This comprehensive approach addresses not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes of your pain, leading to more sustainable outcomes.

Why Choose Southwest Pain Management for Joint Injections

  • 30+ years of experienceled by Dr. Philip Morgan
  • Image-guided precisionusing fluoroscopy and ultrasound
  • Three Southern California locations— Ventura, Woodland Hills, and Hawthorne
  • Full range of joint injection types— facet, SI joint, and trigger point
  • Personalized, patient-centered carewith individualized treatment plans
  • Integrated approachcombining injections with physical therapy, regenerative medicine, and more

Don’t let chronic joint pain control your life. Contact Southwest Pain Management to schedule your joint injection consultation at our Ventura, Woodland Hills, or Hawthorne office. Our expert team is ready to help you find lasting relief.

FAQs

What are joint injections used for?

Joint injections are used to diagnose and treat pain originating from joints, including the facet joints of the spine, the sacroiliac joints, and soft tissue trigger points. They deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the pain source, providing targeted relief for conditions like arthritis, facet joint syndrome, SI joint dysfunction, and myofascial pain.

How long do joint injections last?

The duration of relief varies. Facet joint and SI joint injections typically provide relief for several weeks to several months. Trigger point injections may provide relief for days to weeks but can be repeated more frequently. Many patients at Southwest Pain Management receive periodic injections as part of their long-term pain management plan.

Are joint injections painful?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort during a joint injection. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin before the procedure, and the injection itself feels like brief pressure. Our team is committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible at all three of our Southern California locations.

How much do joint injections cost?

The cost of joint injections depends on the type of injection, your insurance coverage, and your specific plan. Most major insurance carriers, including Medicare, cover medically necessary joint injections. Southwest Pain Management’s billing team will verify your benefits and discuss expected costs before your procedure.

What is the difference between a facet joint injection and an SI joint injection?

Facet joint injections target the small joints along the spine that allow bending and twisting. SI joint injections target the larger sacroiliac joints where the spine meets the pelvis. Both reduce inflammation and pain, but they address different conditions and pain locations. Dr. Morgan will determine which injection is right for you based on your diagnosis.

Can I drive myself home after a joint injection?

We recommend having someone drive you home after any joint injection procedure. While many patients feel fine immediately after, the local anesthetic can temporarily affect your sensation and reflexes, and mild sedation may be used in some cases. Safety is our priority at Southwest Pain Management.

How many joint injections can I receive?

The number of injections depends on the type and your response to treatment. For corticosteroid-based facet and SI joint injections, most guidelines recommend a maximum of three to four per joint per year. Trigger point injections may be performed more frequently. Dr. Philip Morgan will create a treatment schedule that balances effectiveness with safety.

What are the side effects of joint injections?

Common side effects include mild soreness at the injection site, temporary pain increase, and occasional flushing. Rare risks include infection, bleeding, and allergic reaction. Serious complications are extremely uncommon when injections are performed by experienced specialists using image guidance, as is standard practice at Southwest Pain Management.

Do joint injections work for arthritis?

Yes, joint injections can be very effective for arthritis-related pain. Corticosteroid injections reduce the inflammation that causes arthritis pain and stiffness. They are commonly used for osteoarthritis of the spine (facet arthropathy) and can also benefit patients with arthritis in other joints. Joint injections are often part of a comprehensive arthritis management plan.

Will joint injections help me avoid surgery?

In many cases, yes. Joint injections can provide enough pain relief to allow patients to participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation, which can address the underlying problem without surgery. At Southwest Pain Management, our goal is always to explore effective non-surgical treatments first before recommending any surgical intervention.