Facet Joint Syndrome (Facet Arthropathy)

The facet joints are small joints located between the bones of the spine that help provide stability and allow your back and neck to move properly. Over time, these joints can become irritated, inflamed, or affected by arthritis, leading to a condition known as Facet Joint Syndrome or Facet Arthropathy. 

Facet joint pain is a common cause of chronic spine discomfort and often becomes more common as we age. At Fortera Health, our team focuses on identifying the true source of your pain through a comprehensive evaluation and developing a personalized treatment plan designed around your condition, goals, and lifestyle. 

Common Symptoms 

Facet joint pain may cause: 

• Aching or stiffness in the lower back or neck 
• Pain that worsens with standing, bending backward, twisting, or certain movements 
• Discomfort that may extend into the hips, buttocks, or thighs 
• Tenderness near the spine 
• Muscle tightness or spasms 
• Reduced mobility or difficulty performing daily activities 

What Causes Facet Joint Pain? 

Facet joint pain typically develops from changes that occur in the spine over time. Common contributing factors include: 

• Age-related wear and tear of the spinal joints 
• Arthritis and breakdown of cartilage within the facet joints 
• Changes in spinal discs that increase stress on surrounding joints 
• Repetitive movements or activities that place strain on the spine 
• Previous injuries or trauma affecting the spine 

As the facet joints become irritated, they can contribute to ongoing pain, stiffness, and limitations with movement. 

How Is Facet Joint Syndrome Diagnosed? 

Diagnosing facet joint pain requires a careful evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. While imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can show changes in the spine, they do not always identify whether a specific joint is the actual source of pain. 

In some cases, your provider may recommend a medial branch nerve block, a targeted diagnostic injection used to determine whether the nerves that supply the facet joints are contributing to your pain. 

Treatment Options 

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, your goals, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Options may include: 

• Physical therapy focused on improving strength, flexibility, posture, and movement patterns 
• Targeted exercises and activity modification 
• Anti-inflammatory medications when appropriate 
• Medial branch nerve blocks to help confirm the source of pain 
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure that uses controlled heat to disrupt pain signals from the affected nerves 
• Other minimally invasive treatments based on your individual needs 

For patients with confirmed facet joint pain, procedures such as radiofrequency ablation may provide longer-lasting relief and help improve mobility and quality of life. 

At Fortera Health, our goal is to accurately identify what is causing your pain and provide a personalized treatment plan that helps you move better, feel better, and return to the activities that matter most.