Understanding Facet Syndrome: A Common Cause of Back Pain

 Back pain is one of the most frequent complaints I encounter in my practice. While there are many potential causes, one often overlooked yet common culprit is Facet Syndrome — a condition affecting the small joints in the spine. In this blog, I’ll break down what facet syndrome is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.

Understanding Facet Syndrome: A Common Cause of Back Pain

What Are Facet Joints?

Facet joints are small, paired joints at the back of the spine that connect one vertebra to another. These joints provide stability and allow for flexibility and movement of the spine. They are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a capsule filled with lubricating fluid, much like the knee or shoulder joint.

What Is Facet Syndrome?

Facet syndrome (also known as facet joint osteoarthritis or zygapophyseal joint pain) occurs when these joints become irritated, inflamed, or degenerate over time. This leads to localized back or neck pain, and sometimes radiating pain if nearby nerves are irritated.

Causes and Risk Factors

Facet syndrome is often caused by:
Degenerative changes due to aging (osteoarthritis)
Repetitive stress or poor posture
Spinal injuries, such as whiplash
Disc degeneration, which alters biomechanics and increases load on the joints

Other contributing factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, and spinal alignment issues.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of facet syndrome can vary based on the region of the spine affected:

Cervical Spine (Neck):

Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches
Pain radiating to the shoulders or upper back

Thoracic Spine (Mid-back):

Localized mid-back pain
Discomfort when twisting or bending

Lumbar Spine (Lower back):

Lower back pain, especially when standing or twisting
Pain that may radiate to the buttocks or thighs (but not usually below the knee)
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically includes:
Detailed history and physical examination
Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
Diagnostic facet joint injections, where a small amount of anesthetic is injected into the joint to confirm it as the pain source

Treatment Options

At our clinic, we take a stepwise approach to treating facet syndrome:

Conservative Care

Physical therapy to improve posture and strengthen muscles
Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
Activity modification

Interventional Procedures

Facet joint injections with steroids
Medial branch blocks, which target the nerves supplying the facet joints

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

If injections provide temporary relief, RFA can offer longer-lasting pain control by disrupting the pain-signaling nerves.

Surgical Options

Rarely needed, but in severe cases, facet joint fusion or other spinal procedures may be considered.

Takeaway

Facet syndrome is a manageable condition with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. If you’re experiencing persistent back or neck pain, especially with movement, it’s important to consult a spine specialist. Early intervention can help you return to a pain-free, active life.

Contact Information :-

Dr. Sarthak Kadakia | Best spine surgeon in mumbai | Spine specialist in mumbai | Best spine doctor in mumbai
Address : 2nd Floor, DEVKRUPA CHS, Swami Vivekananda Rd, beside Pulse Diagnostic Shimpoli Signal, Shimpoli, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400092
Mobile : +919701549701