Facet Joint Injections at M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group — minimally invasive treatment in Forest Hills, Queens & Great Neck, Long Island
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Facet Joint Injections

Facet joint injections for chronic back and neck pain in Forest Hills, Queens. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with image guidance.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Amir Salem, MD · April 28, 2026

About Facet Joint Injections

Facet joints are the small paired joints at each level of the spine that allow bending, twisting, and extension. When these joints become arthritic, inflamed, or injured, they can cause chronic back pain, neck pain, and stiffness that limits daily activities. At M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group in Forest Hills, Queens, facet joint injections deliver a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid directly into or near the affected facet joint under fluoroscopic guidance. These injections serve a dual purpose: diagnostically, they confirm that the facet joint is the source of your pain; therapeutically, they reduce inflammation and provide pain relief that can last weeks to months. Facet joint pain is a common cause of chronic low back and neck pain, particularly in adults over 50 and patients with spinal arthritis, degenerative changes, or prior spinal injury. Our team integrates facet injections with physical therapy, posture correction, and activity modification to provide lasting relief. We serve patients from Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Jamaica, Flushing, Great Neck, and the surrounding area.

Facet Joint Injections — what to expect

What to Expect

Your Visit, Step by Step

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. You will lie face down on a procedure table. After cleaning and numbing the skin, the physician uses fluoroscopic guidance to position a needle at the targeted facet joint. A small amount of contrast dye confirms needle placement, and the medication is injected. You may feel pressure or a brief pinch. After the procedure, you will rest briefly and then go home. Some patients experience immediate relief from the anesthetic component, while the steroid takes several days to reach full effect. Your doctor will evaluate your response to determine next steps.

Who Is This For?

Facet joint injections are for patients with chronic back or neck pain suspected to originate from the facet joints, particularly those with spinal arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or pain that worsens with extension, twisting, or prolonged standing. They are also used as a diagnostic tool when the source of spinal pain is unclear.

Related Patient Guides

Facet joint injections for chronic back pain

A guide to facet joint injections as a non-surgical treatment option for spinal arthritis and chronic back pain in Queens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pain is from a facet joint?
Facet joint pain typically worsens with extension (arching the back), twisting, or prolonged standing, and may be felt across the low back, in the buttocks, or in the neck and upper back. A diagnostic facet injection that relieves your pain confirms the facet joint as the source.
How long do facet joint injections last?
Relief varies by patient. Some experience weeks of improvement, others several months. If facet injections consistently provide good but temporary relief, your doctor may discuss medial branch nerve ablation (radiofrequency ablation) for longer-lasting results.
What is the difference between a facet injection and an epidural?
A facet injection targets the small joints along the spine. An epidural injection targets the space around the spinal nerves. They address different pain generators and are used for different conditions, though some patients benefit from both.
Are facet joint injections safe?
Yes. Facet joint injections are a well-established, commonly performed procedure with a low complication rate. Risks include temporary soreness at the injection site and rare allergic reaction. Fluoroscopic guidance ensures accurate needle placement.
How many facet joint injections can I have?
Typically, injections can be repeated up to three to four times per year in a given area. Your doctor will recommend a treatment schedule based on your response and whether additional interventions may provide more lasting relief.

Schedule an Appointment

Our board-certified providers are ready to help. Call us today.

Call Now(718) 897-2228

Serving patients in:

Forest Hills / Queens · Rego Park · Kew Gardens · Flushing · Bayside · Jamaica · Elmhurst · Fresh Meadows · Jackson Heights · Great Neck / Long Island · Manhasset

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Take the Next Step

Schedule your facet joint injections appointment with M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group P.C. today.

Call Now(718) 897-2228