How long does facet joint injection take to work for lumbar spondylosis?

Lumbar spondylosis can irritate or overload joints in the lower back. A facet injection delivers medicine close to a selected joint. A local anaesthetic may reduce pain for a short period, whereas an anti-inflammatory medicine may take longer to show its effect. Some people notice little change, and others have relief that varies with standing, bending, or walking. The response helps your clinician decide whether the targeted joint is likely contributing to your pain; it does not restore worn spinal structures.

Use the activity limits and wound-care advice provided after the procedure. For a few days, note pain while sitting, standing, walking, and changing position, along with any leg symptoms. Increase activity gradually rather than lifting heavily to test the injection. Keep your follow-up appointment, especially if relief is brief or incomplete. Read about [Lumbar Spondylosis](/conditions/lumbar-spondylosis/) and [Facet Joint Injection](/treatments/spine-care/facet-joint-injection/).

Seek advice for increasing warmth, redness, discharge, fever, or pain that becomes severe after the injection. Emergency assessment is needed for new leg weakness, numbness around the groin, difficulty walking, or new loss of bladder or bowel control.

Ask when you can resume work, exercise, and driving; which changes count as meaningful relief; how long to track symptoms; and what treatment options follow if the injection does not help.