When is facet joint injection recommended for lumbar spondylosis?

The small joints at the back of the lumbar spine help guide movement. Wear-related changes can irritate a joint and produce pain near the lower back, sometimes with tenderness or discomfort when leaning backwards or turning. An injection places medicine near the suspected joint. It can help test whether that joint is contributing to pain and may reduce symptoms for a period of time; it does not reverse the underlying wear.

A clinician will review your pain pattern, examination findings, medicines, medical conditions and any imaging before recommending the procedure. Continue the agreed exercise, activity and posture plan unless told otherwise. Ask about blood-thinning medicines, diabetes, infection risk and what driving or activity restrictions apply afterward. The injection should be part of a broader back-care plan rather than the only treatment.

Seek urgent medical assessment for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, rapidly worsening leg weakness, fever with severe back pain, or back pain after a major injury. These features need assessment because they may not be explained by routine lumbar spondylosis or facet-joint pain.

Which findings suggest that a facet joint is causing my pain? What benefit is realistic for my symptoms? What alternatives should I try first, and how will the injection fit with physiotherapy? Which medicines should I discuss before the appointment?