Facet Joint Injections in Loganville, GA
Diagnostic and therapeutic injections for chronic back and neck pain
If you're experiencing chronic back or neck pain that worsens when you twist, bend, or extend your spine, the facet joints may be the source. Facet joint injections can both identify the cause of your pain and provide meaningful therapeutic relief.
At Southern Comfort Pain & Wellness, we use image-guided facet joint injections to precisely target the affected joints for maximum effectiveness with minimal discomfort.
What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are small, paired joints that run along the back of your spine. They connect your vertebrae and allow your spine to flex, twist, and bend. Like any joint, facet joints can develop arthritis, become inflamed, or sustain injury — leading to chronic pain in your neck, upper back, or lower back.
How Facet Joint Injections Work
A facet joint injection delivers a small amount of anesthetic and corticosteroid medication directly into or near the affected facet joint. This serves two purposes: the anesthetic provides immediate (temporary) pain relief to confirm the facet joint is the pain source, and the corticosteroid provides longer-lasting anti-inflammatory relief.
Conditions Treated
- Facet joint arthritis (spondylosis)
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic low back pain
- Pain that worsens with spinal extension or rotation
- Cervicogenic headaches (originating from the neck)
What to Expect
The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, Dr. Kissel precisely places a thin needle at the target facet joint. Most patients feel only pressure during the injection. The anesthetic provides immediate relief, and the steroid begins working within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pain is coming from the facet joints?
Facet joint pain typically worsens with extension (arching your back) or twisting movements. It's often felt as a deep ache in the lower back or neck. A diagnostic facet injection is the most reliable way to confirm — if your pain improves after the injection, the facet joints are likely the source.
How long does a facet joint injection last?
Relief typically lasts weeks to several months. If injections provide consistent but temporary relief, Dr. Kissel may recommend a radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting results.
How many facet joint injections can I have?
Most patients receive 1–3 injections as a diagnostic and therapeutic series. The number depends on your response and the number of joints involved.
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Serving facet joint injection patients in Loganville, Snellville, Grayson, Monroe, Conyers, Dacula, Lawrenceville, Bethlehem, and surrounding communities across Gwinnett, Walton, and Newton counties.
Dealing with chronic back or neck pain?
Find out if facet joint injections can provide the relief you need.