Finding Relief from Back Pain: Your Guide to Facet Joint Injections at APSI Wellness | APSI Wellness
Are you struggling with persistent back or neck pain that just won't go away? This article serves as your comprehensive guide to understanding facet joint pain.
Finding Relief from Back Pain: Your Guide to Facet Joint Injections at APSI Wellness
By APSI Wellness | January 11, 2026
Are you struggling with persistent back or neck pain that just won't go away? The kind of deep, aching stiffness that makes turning your head or bending over a daily challenge? For many, this pain originates not from a large disc or muscle, but from tiny joints in your own spine called facet joints.
When these joints become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or simple wear-and-tear, the pain can be debilitating and limit your life. At APSI Wellness in Cincinnati, our mission is to help you understand this pain and provide clear, advanced solutions. One of the most effective and targeted treatments we offer is the facet joint injection.
Understanding the Source: What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are small, stabilizing joints located at each level of your spine. They are found in pairs (one on each side) and allow for smooth, controlled movement—like bending forward, arching back, and twisting side to side. Like other joints in your body (such as knees and hips), facet joints are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a lubricating capsule.
When these joints become irritated or inflamed—a condition often called facet joint syndrome or facet arthropathy—the result is localized pain that can be sharp, dull, or aching.
Common Causes of Facet Joint Pain
- Osteoarthritis: The natural wear-and-tear of aging can break down the cartilage in facet joints.
- Injury or Trauma: A whiplash injury or fall can damage the facet joints.
- Repetitive Stress: Certain occupations or activities that involve repeated twisting or heavy lifting.
- Spinal Conditions: Degenerative disc disease can place extra stress on the facet joints.
What is a Facet Joint Injection?
A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers medication directly into or near the facet joint. It serves two important purposes:
1. Diagnostic: If the injection provides significant pain relief, it confirms that the facet joint is the source of your pain.
2. Therapeutic: The medication can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief lasting weeks to months.
What's in the Injection?
- Local Anesthetic: Provides immediate, though temporary, pain relief.
- Corticosteroid: A powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling and irritation.
The Procedure at APSI Wellness
We use state-of-the-art fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise needle placement. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two. Pain relief from the steroid component typically begins within 2-7 days and can last for several months.
Is a Facet Joint Injection Right for You?
You may be a candidate for this procedure if:
- You have localized back or neck pain that worsens with certain movements
- Conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication haven't provided adequate relief
- Imaging studies and physical examination suggest facet joint involvement
Contact APSI Wellness today to schedule your consultation and discover if facet joint injections are right for you.
APSI Wellness — Advanced Pain Solutions & Interventions
5405 DuPont Circle Suite A, Milford, OH 45150 | Phone: (513) 936-3050
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