Facet Joint Injections in Scottsdale: Targeted Relief for Spinal Joint Pain
Unlock your Natural Healing Power
If you're experiencing chronic back or neck pain that worsens with movement, twisting, or extending your spine, the facet joints may be the source of your discomfort. At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, we offer facet joint injections as a minimally invasive option for addressing pain originating from these small but critical spinal joints.
Led by Dr. Ashu Goyle—a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist with fellowship training from the Cleveland Clinic—our practice combines elite credentials with advanced image-guided techniques to deliver precise, effective care for facet joint-related pain.
Understanding Facet Joints and Facet Joint Pain
What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are small, paired joints located at each level of your spine, connecting one vertebra to the next. These joints allow your spine to bend, twist, and extend while providing stability. Like other joints in your body, facet joints are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a capsule filled with synovial fluid.
Why Do Facet Joints Cause Pain?
Over time, facet joints can become sources of pain due to:
- Wear and tear from aging (osteoarthritis)
- Degenerative changes in the spine
- Injury or trauma
- Inflammation of the joint capsule
- Cartilage breakdown
- Bone spurs
When facet joints become inflamed or arthritic, they can cause localized back or neck pain that may radiate into the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs. This pain often worsens with certain movements—particularly extending or twisting the spine—and may improve with rest.
How Facet Joint Injections Work
Facet joint injections deliver medication directly into or near the affected facet joint to reduce inflammation and provide diagnostic information about the source of your pain.
What the Injection Contains:
Facet joint injections typically contain a combination of:
- Corticosteroid: An anti-inflammatory medication that helps reduce swelling and irritation in the joint
- Local anesthetic: Provides immediate temporary numbing of the area
Precision Through Image Guidance:
At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, every facet joint injection is performed using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) guidance. This allows Dr. Goyle to visualize the needle placement in real-time, ensuring the medication is delivered precisely to the target joint. This image-guided approach optimizes accuracy and safety.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Value:
Facet joint injections serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. If your pain significantly improves following the injection, it confirms the facet joint as the source of your discomfort. This information helps guide further treatment decisions.
Medial Branch Nerve Blocks: A Complementary Approach
In addition to facet joint injections, we offer medial branch nerve blocks—a related procedure that targets the small nerves (medial branches) that transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
How Medial Branch Blocks Work:
Rather than injecting medication directly into the joint, medial branch blocks deliver local anesthetic to the nerves that supply sensation to the facet joint. By temporarily blocking these nerves, we can determine whether they’re responsible for transmitting your pain signals.
Diagnostic Purpose:
Medial branch blocks are often used diagnostically. If blocking these nerves provides significant temporary relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the pain source and may indicate that you could benefit from longer-lasting treatments.
Both facet joint injections and medial branch blocks are minimally invasive, outpatient procedures with minimal downtime.
Conditions Addressed with Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections may be appropriate for various conditions involving the facet joints of the spine:
Back Pain Conditions:
- Chronic low back pain
- Lumbar facet joint syndrome
- Lumbar spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
- Degenerative changes of the lumbar spine
Neck Pain Conditions:
- Chronic neck pain
- Cervical facet joint syndrome
- Cervical spondylosis
- Whiplash-related facet joint pain
Other Spine-Related Conditions:
- Thoracic facet joint pain (mid-back)
- Pain related to degenerative disc disease
- Post-surgical spine pain
- Facet joint arthritis
Facet joint injections are particularly beneficial for patients whose pain worsens with extension or rotation of the spine, and who haven’t responded adequately to conservative treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After Your Procedure
Before Your Procedure:
Consultation: Dr. Goyle will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, discuss your symptoms, and review any imaging studies. This evaluation helps determine whether facet joint injections are appropriate and which joints should be targeted.
Pre-Procedure Instructions:
- If sedation is required, fast for at least 6 hours before your appointment
- You may need to stop blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, anticoagulants) as directed—typically 3-7 days before the procedure
- Arrange transportation home if sedation will be used
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
During Your Procedure:
The procedure is performed in our office and typically takes 15-30 minutes. You’ll be positioned comfortably (usually lying face down), and the injection site will be cleaned and prepped. Using fluoroscopic guidance, Dr. Goyle will carefully guide the needle to the target facet joint, confirm placement with contrast dye if needed, and deliver the medication. Most patients tolerate the procedure well with only mild discomfort.
After Your Procedure:
- You’ll be monitored briefly before discharge
- Some temporary soreness at the injection site is normal
- The local anesthetic may provide immediate temporary relief; the corticosteroid typically takes several days to reach full effect
- Rest for the remainder of the procedure day
- Avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours
- Apply ice to the injection site if needed for comfort
- You may resume normal activities within 1-2 days
- Follow-up appointments allow us to assess your response and adjust your care plan
Why Choose Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness
Cleveland Clinic Training: Dr. Ashu Goyle completed his fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic—one of the nation’s top medical institutions—providing a foundation of expertise in interventional spine procedures.
Double Board Certification: Dr. Goyle is board-certified in both anesthesiology and interventional pain management, demonstrating advanced competency in precise, image-guided procedures.
Fluoroscopy-Guided Precision: Every facet joint injection is performed under real-time X-ray guidance, ensuring accurate needle placement for optimal results.
Comprehensive Spine Care: Facet joint injections are one component of our complete approach to spine pain. We offer a full range of interventional and regenerative options tailored to your specific needs.
Holistic Philosophy: We focus on addressing the underlying causes of your pain—not just masking symptoms—while minimizing reliance on long-term medication use.
Our Complete Spine and Pain Care Offerings
Facet joint injections are one part of our comprehensive approach to spine and pain care. Depending on your condition and response to treatment, Dr. Goyle may recommend:
Interventional Procedures:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Medial branch nerve blocks
- Sacroiliac joint injections
- Trigger point injections
Regenerative Medicine:
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) therapy—using your own stem cells
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
- Exosome therapy
- Autologous Conditioned Serum (Regenokine®)—Dr. Goyle is one of only nine physicians in the U.S. offering this treatment, and the only provider in Arizona. This is the treatment professional athletes like the late Kobe Bryant used to return to competition with minimal downtime.
Advanced Technology:
- MLS M8 Class IV Laser therapy for inflammation and pain support
Our goal is to provide you with the most appropriate treatment—or combination of treatments—for your specific situation, helping you return to the activities you enjoy.
Facet Joint Injections vs. Other Pain Management Approaches
Advantages of Facet Joint Injections:
- Targeted delivery: Medication goes directly to the source of pain rather than circulating throughout your entire body
- Minimally invasive: Performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime
- Diagnostic value: Helps confirm whether facet joints are the source of your pain
- Reduced medication reliance: May decrease the need for oral pain medications
- Quick recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days
When Facet Joint Injections May Not Be Enough:
While facet joint injections can provide significant relief, they’re not a permanent solution for everyone. Some patients benefit from repeated injections every few months, while others may be candidates for additional treatments. During your follow-up, Dr. Goyle will discuss your response and recommend the most appropriate path forward.
Dr. Ashu Goyle: Your Expert in Interventional Spine Care
Dr. Ashu Goyle founded Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness with a commitment to providing expert, personalized spine and pain care. His credentials include:
- Double board certification in anesthesiology and interventional pain management
- Fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic
- Years of experience performing image-guided interventional spine procedures
- One of only nine Regenokine® providers nationwide (the only provider in Arizona)
- Recognition as a Phoenix Magazine “Top Doc” (2011-2020)
Dr. Goyle’s approach combines technical precision with a patient-centered philosophy. He takes time to understand your condition, explain your options clearly, and deliver care with expertise and compassion. His goal is to help you achieve meaningful relief and return to the activities that matter most to you.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re experiencing chronic back or neck pain that may be related to your facet joints, the first step is a consultation with Dr. Goyle. During your visit, we’ll:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Perform a physical examination
- Review any imaging studies (MRI, CT, X-rays)
- Discuss your treatment options
- Determine whether facet joint injections or another approach may be appropriate
Contact Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness today to schedule your consultation.
ARE YOU THE
Ideal Candidate?
If you’re an active person struggling with pain that limits your physical activities, PRP therapy may be the solution you’re seeking. It’s designed for those who want to address the root cause of their pain, not just mask symptoms. Whether it’s chronic back pain, chronic tendonitis, knee pain, or a lingering sports injury, PRP therapy may offer a path to recovery that aligns with your body’s natural healing processes.
Why Trust Dr. Goyle with Your Recovery?
Dr. Goyle stands out as a distinguished expert in regenerative medicine and orthobiologics, backed by an impressive foundation of training and experience. His journey in anesthesiology and pain management was honed at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, a testament to his commitment to excellence in patient care. With double board certifications in anesthesiology and pain medicine, along with a rich background in research and various certifications in regenerative treatments, Dr. Goyle offers a depth of expertise that is rare in the field. He crafts personalized treatment plans aimed at active individuals, prioritizing the restoration of function and a swift return to the activities and lifestyles his patients cherish.
RECLAIM YOUR
Active Life with PRP Therapy
Don’t let pain keep you on the sidelines. Discover how PRP therapy may help you overcome injury, reduce pain, and enhance your body’s ability to heal—so you can return to the active lifestyle you cherish.
Get Started on Your Path to Recovery
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- Holistic tips for overall wellness.
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OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Accreditations & Partnerships
The Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation
Institute For Functional Medicine
Cleveland Clinic
The American Board of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Top Doctors
Discover the Science Behind Regenerative Medicine
As you consider regenerative medicine, you may be curious about the science that supports its effectiveness.
Our goal is to provide you with credible data and clinical studies that showcase how regenerative medicine works, so you can make an informed choice about your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can facet joint injections help with?
Facet joint injections are primarily used for pain originating from the facet joints of the spine. This includes chronic low back pain, neck pain, lumbar or cervical facet syndrome, spinal arthritis (spondylosis), and pain related to degenerative changes in the spine. During your consultation, Dr. Goyle will evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent with facet joint-related pain.
How do facet joint injections differ from epidural steroid injections?
While both are spine injections, they target different structures. Epidural steroid injections deliver medication to the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots—typically used for disc-related pain or radiculopathy (radiating nerve pain). Facet joint injections target the small joints between vertebrae—used for localized back or neck pain that worsens with movement. Dr. Goyle will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your specific condition.
What's the difference between facet joint injections and medial branch blocks?
Facet joint injections deliver medication directly into the joint itself. Medial branch blocks target the small nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joint to the brain. Both can provide relief, and medial branch blocks are often used diagnostically to confirm that the facet joint is the pain source.
How long does it take to notice results?
The local anesthetic in the injection may provide temporary relief within minutes to hours. The corticosteroid typically takes several days to a week to reach its full anti-inflammatory effect. The duration of relief varies—some patients experience relief lasting weeks to months, while others may benefit from periodic repeat injections.
How many injections will I need?
This depends on your individual response. Some patients experience significant, long-lasting relief from a single injection or series. Others may benefit from periodic injections every few months. There are limits to how frequently steroid injections can be administered. Dr. Goyle will discuss an appropriate treatment plan based on your response.
Are facet joint injections painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. The skin and deeper tissues are numbed with local anesthetic before the injection, minimizing discomfort. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort during the procedure, but it’s generally well-tolerated. The entire procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes.
What are the potential risks?
Facet joint injections are generally safe when performed by an experienced physician using image guidance. Potential risks include temporary soreness at the injection site, bruising, and rare complications such as infection or allergic reaction. Corticosteroid-related effects may include temporary blood sugar elevation (important for diabetic patients), flushing, or sleep disturbance. Dr. Goyle will discuss potential risks specific to your situation during your consultation.
How long is the recovery?
Recovery is typically quick. Most patients rest the day of the procedure and return to normal activities within 24-48 hours. You may experience temporary soreness at the injection site. If sedation was used, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Can facet joint injections be combined with other treatments?
Yes, facet joint injections are often part of a comprehensive treatment approach. They may be combined with physical therapy, other interventional procedures, regenerative treatments (like PRP or BMAC), or our MLS laser therapy. The goal is to address your pain from multiple angles when appropriate.
Are facet joint injections covered by insurance?
Facet joint injections are commonly covered by insurance plans when medically indicated. Coverage varies by plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs before your procedure.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
Good candidates typically have back or neck pain that worsens with extension or rotation of the spine, pain localized to the spine (rather than radiating down the arms or legs), and symptoms that haven’t responded adequately to conservative treatments. Imaging studies and physical examination findings consistent with facet joint pathology also support candidacy. Dr. Goyle will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation.
What are Dr. Goyle's qualifications?
Dr. Ashu Goyle is double board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management. He completed his fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic—one of the nation’s premier medical institutions. He has years of experience performing image-guided spine procedures and has been recognized as a Phoenix Magazine “Top Doc” from 2011-2020. Dr. Goyle is also one of only nine physicians in the U.S. offering the Regenokine® treatment program—and the only provider in Arizona.
