Facet Joint Blocks

Understanding Facet Joint Pain

Facet joints play a major role in spinal movement and stability. When these joints become inflamed or damaged, even simple activities like standing, walking, twisting, or bending can become painful.

Several conditions may contribute to chronic joint pain involving the facet joints, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal arthritis
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Poor posture
• Sports injuries
• Aging-related wear and tear
• Whiplash or motor vehicle accidents
• Previous spinal injuries or surgery

Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint pain symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of inflammation.

• Chronic neck pain or lower back pain
• Pain that worsens with twisting or bending
• Joint stiffness after resting or sleeping
• Reduced flexibility and range of motion
• Tenderness near the spine
• Muscle spasms
• Pain that radiates into the shoulders, buttocks, or upper legs
• Difficulty standing for long periods
• Pain during prolonged sitting or driving

If conservative treatments have not provided lasting joint pain relief, a facet nerve block may help identify and treat the underlying source of pain.

Conditions Treated with Facet Injections

Facet joint injections may help patients experiencing:

• Chronic joint pain
• Arthritis-related spinal pain
• Cervical facet syndrome
• Lumbar facet syndrome
• Thoracic spine pain
• Degenerative spine conditions
• Post-traumatic spinal pain
• Pain after sports injuries
• Joint inflammation
• Mechanical back pain

Patients suffering from persistent joint pain that interferes with daily life may benefit from a personalized evaluation with Dr. Shen.

Benefits of Facet Joint Injections

Facet joint injections offer several advantages for patients seeking non-surgical joint pain relief.

• Reduced inflammation
• Decreased pain and stiffness
• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Faster return to normal activities
• Enhanced participation in physical therapy
• Diagnostic confirmation of pain source
• Minimally invasive outpatient treatment
• Reduced need for oral pain medications
• Delayed or avoided surgery

Many patients experience significant improvement in function and quality of life after treatment.

Orthopedic Care for Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint blocks are part of the orthopedic and interventional pain care offered at Spine and Pain Specialty Care. Dr. Shen uses live image guidance to target the precise joint causing your pain, both confirming the source of your discomfort and reducing inflammation in a single, accurate procedure performed in our dedicated in-office procedure suite.

When is a Facet Nerve Block Recommended?

A facet nerve block may be recommended when patients experience persistent neck or back pain that has not improved with conservative treatments such as:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification
• Home exercise programs
• Massage therapy

Facet injections are commonly considered before more invasive surgical procedures.

Serving Patients Across Elizabeth & Union County

Spine and Pain Specialty Care is located in Elizabeth and treats patients from across Union County and the surrounding area, including Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, Hillside, Union, Cranford, Clark, and Newark. The office is easily reached from Route 1&9, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Se Habla Espanol – our team supports Spanish-speaking patients throughout their care.

Schedule a Consultation for Facet Joint Injections

If you are struggling with chronic neck pain, lower back pain, or persistent joint pain, a facet joint block may help identify and treat the source of your discomfort.

Dial (908) 818-1600 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edward Shen and learn whether a facet joint injection is right for you. We accept most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be evaluated and treated on the same day?

Often, yes. In many cases Dr. Shen can provide evaluation, diagnosis – including in-office X-ray or ultrasound imaging – and treatment in a single visit, so you can start getting relief without waiting.

Is a facet joint block diagnostic, treatment, or both?

Both. Because the injection targets specific joints, the relief you feel afterward helps confirm those joints are the source of your pain, while the anti-inflammatory medication treats them at the same time.

How long does relief from a facet joint block last?

Relief is individual. The goal is to resolve the inflammation behind your pain, not just quiet it temporarily. Many patients experience lasting relief, and the block can be safely repeated if needed. If the pain returns over time, Dr. Shen can also discuss further options such as radiofrequency ablation.

How do I know if my pain is coming from a facet joint?

Facet joint pain often worsens with twisting, bending backward, or standing, and eases when sitting or leaning forward. Dr. Shen reviews your symptoms and imaging to determine whether a facet joint block is the right next step.

Do you treat facet joint pain from a car accident or work injury?

Yes. Dr. Shen regularly treats neck and back injuries from motor vehicle accidents and work-related incidents, and the practice accepts no-fault/PIP auto insurance and workers’ compensation, handling the documentation these claims require.

Spine and Pain Specialty Care Practice Summary

Practice Name: Spine and Pain Specialty Care
Physician: Dr. Edward Shen, MD
Credentials: Harvard-educated, double board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology; Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Location: 219 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Serving: Elizabeth, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities
Conditions: Facet joint syndrome, spinal arthritis, chronic neck and back pain, degenerative spine conditions, and post-traumatic spinal pain
Insurance: Most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall claims
Languages: English and Spanish (Se Habla Espanol)
Phone: (908) 818-1600