Facet Joint Syndrome is a common source of chronic neck and back pain caused by inflammation, degeneration, or arthritic changes in the facet joints—the small stabilizing joints located between each vertebra in the spine. These joints enable motion and flexibility, but over time, wear and tear can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Facet pain may occur in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions, and it often worsens with specific movements such as twisting or bending backward.
Common Causes
Facet joint pain can be triggered by:
Age-related degeneration (osteoarthritis)Cartilage wears down over time, leading to joint inflammation and bone spur formation.
Repetitive strain or poor postureJobs or activities involving frequent bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting.
Previous spine injury or traumaWhiplash or falls can accelerate joint deterioration.
Degenerative disc diseaseDisc height loss can increase load on facet joints, accelerating arthritis.
Post-surgical changesSpinal fusion may shift mechanical stress to nearby facet joints.
Symptoms
Aching or sharp pain localized near the spine (neck or lower back)
Pain that worsens with extension, twisting, or standing
Morning stiffness or pain after inactivity
Tenderness over the affected joints
In some cases, referred pain into the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs
Typically no numbness or tingling (unlike nerve root compression)
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Conservative Therapies
NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain
Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve mobility
Heat or ice therapy
Posture training and ergonomic correction
Activity modification to avoid pain-triggering movements
Interventional Pain Management Options
If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, minimally invasive procedures can effectively diagnose and treat facet-mediated pain:
Medial Branch Nerve Blocks
A diagnostic injection that temporarily numbs the small nerves supplying the facet joints (medial branches)
Helps confirm whether the facet joints are the true source of pain
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
If the medial branch block is successful, RFA may be performed to thermally disrupt pain signals traveling from the facet joints
Can provide 6–18 months of pain relief with a single procedure
Intra-Articular Facet Joint Injections
Direct injection of corticosteroid into the joint space to reduce inflammation
Often used for acute flares or in combination with physical therapy
Endoscopic Rhizotomy (Advanced Option)
A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that allows for direct visualization and ablation of the medial branch nerve
May provide longer-lasting relief than traditional RFA
When to Seek Help
If you experience persistent spine pain that worsens with movement, particularly in the neck or lower back, and conservative therapies have failed, you may be a candidate for interventional treatment targeting the facet joints.
Get Back to Moving Comfortably
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we specialize in accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of spine-related pain—including facet joint syndrome. Our advanced techniques like image-guided injections and radiofrequency ablation offer lasting relief without the need for surgery.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to take the first step toward a pain-free spine.