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Lumbar Facet Injections

Lumbar Facet Injections: Precise Relief for Facet Joint Pain

The facet joints are small, stabilizing joints located along the back of your spine. When these joints become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or wear and tear, they can cause persistent and often debilitating lower back pain. A lumbar facet joint injection is a targeted, minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce that inflammation and provide meaningful pain relief. At Southwest Pain Management, Dr. Philip Morgan has over 30 years of experience performing facet joint injections and other advanced interventional pain treatments for patients across Southern California.

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What Is a Lumbar Facet Joint Injection?

A lumbar facet joint injection — also known as a facet block injection — involves placing a small amount of corticosteroid medication and local anesthetic directly into or near the affected facet joint in the lumbar (lower back) region. This facet joint injection serves two important purposes: it reduces inflammation within the joint to relieve pain, and it helps confirm whether the facet joint is the true source of your symptoms. This dual diagnostic and therapeutic benefit makes the lumbar facet joint injection an essential tool in modern pain management.

Conditions Treated with Lumbar Facet Injections

Lumbar facet injections are commonly recommended for patients with:

  • Facet joint arthritis (facet arthropathy)— degenerative changes in the facet joints due to aging or wear
  • Facet joint syndrome— pain originating from inflamed or damaged facet joints
  • Lumbar spondylosis— spinal osteoarthritis affecting the lower back
  • Mechanical lower back pain— pain that worsens with twisting, bending backward, or standing for long periods
  • Post-injury facet joint pain— pain following a car accident, fall, or sports injury
  • Referred pain to the buttocks or thighs— pain that originates in the facet joints and radiates to nearby areas

What Happens During a Facet Joint Injection?

A lumbar facet joint injection is performed as a quick outpatient procedure, usually taking only 15 to 20 minutes. You will lie face down on a procedure table. After cleaning and numbing the skin, Dr. Morgan uses fluoroscopic (real-time X-ray) guidance to direct a thin needle precisely into the targeted facet joint. Contrast dye verifies correct placement before the medication is injected. The process is then repeated for any additional facet joints that need treatment. Most patients report only mild discomfort during the injection.

Recovery and What to Expect

You may notice immediate pain relief from the local anesthetic, which can last several hours. There is often a brief period where pain returns before the corticosteroid takes full effect, usually within three to seven days. Mild soreness at the injection site is common and typically resolves quickly. Most patients go home the same day and return to their regular activities within one to two days. Facet joint pain treatment results vary, but many patients enjoy weeks to months of significant relief.

Benefits of Lumbar Facet Joint Injections

  • Targets pain directly at the affected facet joint
  • Minimally invasive with no stitches or scarring
  • Provides both pain relief and diagnostic confirmation
  • Performed in-office under local anesthesia
  • Quick procedure with rapid recovery
  • Can reduce or eliminate the need for stronger pain medications
  • Results can guide further treatment, including radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief

Take the First Step Toward Facet Joint Pain Relief

Facet joint pain does not have to keep you on the sidelines. Southwest Pain Management offers lumbar facet injections at our offices in Ventura, Woodland Hills, and Hawthorne, bringing expert facet joint pain treatment to patients across the greater Los Angeles area and Southern California. Dr. Philip Morgan and our caring team are committed to finding the root cause of your pain and creating a plan that works for your lifestyle. Schedule your consultation today and discover how a lumbar facet joint injection can help you move freely again.

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FAQs

How long does a lumbar facet joint injection take?

The procedure typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. With check-in and post-procedure observation, plan to spend about one hour at our office.

Is a facet joint injection painful?

Most patients feel only mild pressure during the procedure. A local anesthetic numbs the injection site beforehand, making the experience very manageable for most people. Sedation is available if needed.

How long does pain relief from a facet block injection last?

Results vary by patient. Many patients experience several weeks to several months of pain relief. If the injection confirms that the facet joint is the pain source, radiofrequency ablation may be recommended for relief lasting six months to a year or more.

What are the side effects of a lumbar facet injection?

Side effects are typically mild and temporary, including soreness at the injection site and occasional mild bruising. Temporary increases in blood sugar can occur in diabetic patients. Serious side effects are very rare.

How much does a facet joint injection cost?

The cost depends on your insurance coverage. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover facet joint injections when they are medically necessary. Our staff will verify your benefits and explain any costs before treatment.

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

A facet joint injection targets the small joints along the spine, while an epidural injection delivers medication into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. They treat different sources of pain. Dr. Morgan will determine which approach is best for your specific condition.

Can facet joint injections help me avoid back surgery?

In many cases, yes. Facet joint injections — sometimes combined with radiofrequency ablation — can provide substantial relief that allows patients to manage their pain without surgery. They are an important part of a comprehensive, conservative treatment approach.