Facet joint injections are generally considered a safe and well-established procedure when performed by an experienced clinician using appropriate imaging guidance. At Alton Pain Clinic, we perform all facet joint injections using ultrasound guidance, which helps improve accuracy and reduce risk.
How Safe Are Facet Joint Injections?
For most patients, facet joint injections are low risk. They are commonly used in both diagnostic and therapeutic pain management for spinal conditions such as arthritis and mechanical back pain.
The combination of a local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid has been widely used for many years in musculoskeletal medicine.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, facet joint injections do carry some potential side effects. Most are mild and short-lived, including:
- Temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site
- Mild increase in pain for 24–48 hours
- Facial flushing or warmth (from the steroid)
- Temporary numbness or weakness in the injected area
These effects usually settle on their own without treatment.
Rare Risks
Serious complications are uncommon, but may include:
- Infection at the injection site
- Bleeding or haematoma formation
- Allergic reaction to medication
- Nerve irritation or damage (very rare)
Using ultrasound guidance significantly helps reduce these risks by allowing real-time visualisation of the needle path and surrounding structures.
Why Ultrasound Guidance Improves Safety
At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound guidance is a key part of every facet joint injection because it:
- Improves accuracy of needle placement
- Reduces the risk of damaging nearby structures
- Minimises unnecessary tissue trauma
- Enhances patient comfort and confidence
This approach is especially important in complex or sensitive spinal anatomy.
Who Should Be Careful?
Facet joint injections may need extra consideration in patients who:
- Have an active infection
- Are taking blood-thinning medication
- Have uncontrolled diabetes
- Have known allergies to injection medications
Your clinician will always assess your suitability before proceeding.
Overall Risk Perspective
In experienced hands, facet joint injections are considered low-risk procedures, and complications are uncommon. For many patients, the potential benefits in terms of pain relief and improved mobility outweigh the small risks involved.
When to Seek Medical Advice After the Injection
You should contact your clinician if you experience:
- Increasing redness, swelling, or heat at the injection site
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Persistent or worsening pain beyond a few days
- Any unusual neurological symptoms
Why Choose Alton Pain Clinic?
At Alton Pain Clinic, we focus on:
- Ultrasound-guided precision injections
- Evidence-based pain management
- Minimally invasive treatment options
- Individualised care plans
Our aim is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.
When to Seek Medical Advice
You should seek medical assessment if:
- pain continues despite injection
- symptoms worsen
- swelling or redness develops
- numbness or weakness occurs
- pain significantly interferes with daily activities
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, please consult a qualified clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are facet joint injections dangerous?
Facet joint injections are generally considered safe and low-risk when performed by an experienced clinician. At Alton Pain Clinic, all procedures are carried out using ultrasound guidance, which improves accuracy and reduces potential complications.
Can facet joint injections cause nerve damage?
Nerve injury is very rare. Ultrasound guidance helps the clinician visualise surrounding structures in real time, significantly reducing this risk.
Is there a risk of infection?
Infection is uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed under sterile conditions. If it does occur, it may present as increasing pain, redness, or swelling and should be assessed promptly.
Are steroid injections safe for the body?
Yes, when used appropriately. The steroid used in facet joint injections works locally to reduce inflammation. Some patients may experience temporary effects such as flushing or changes in blood sugar levels.