Recognizing the Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain
Facet joint pain can cause a variety of discomforts depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Pain while sitting or standing for long periods
- Discomfort when lying on your stomach
- Increased pain when arching or twisting your neck or lower back
- Relief when bending the neck or lower back forward
- Pain that does not radiate into the arms or legs
Facet joint injuries can also cause referred pain. For example:
- Cervical (neck) facet joint pain may radiate to the back of the head, ears, or shoulders.
- Lumbar (low back) facet joint pain may radiate to the buttocks, hips, or thighs.
Pain is often worse with movement or after long periods of inactivity or sleep. If spinal pain is interfering with your daily activities, the OPS Surgery Center team of spine and pain management specialists can help.
What Causes Facet Joint Pain?
Facet joint pain typically results from arthritis or a traumatic injury, such as a motor vehicle accident. Arthritis in the facet joints may develop due to:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis (abnormal spinal curvature)
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae)
- Spondylolysis (stress fractures in the spine)
- Compression fractures
- Skeletal irregularities
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnosis: Identifying the Source of Your Pain
At OPS Surgery Center, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing facet joint pain, starting with:
- A detailed medical history and physical examination
- Advanced imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm joint damage
By pinpointing the source of your pain, we can create an effective, personalized treatment plan to relieve discomfort and improve function.
Treatment Options for Facet Joint Pain
Our team offers a range of conservative and advanced treatments to address facet joint pain, depending on the severity of your symptoms and overall health.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
- Physical therapy to improve posture and strengthen the core and back muscles
- Massage therapy for muscle relaxation and pain relief
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units for pain modulation
- Acupuncture and chiropractic care for spinal alignment and nerve function improvement
- Pilates and yoga for flexibility and core stabilization
Minimally Invasive Procedures
If conservative methods do not provide adequate relief, OPS Surgery Center offers targeted interventions, including:
- Facet Joint Injections – A precise injection of anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Uses heat energy to disrupt pain signals from affected nerves.
Regenerative Medicine Treatments
For those seeking cutting-edge solutions, we also offer:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Utilizes your body’s natural growth factors to promote healing.
- Stem Cell Therapy – Harnesses regenerative cells to support tissue repair and slow degeneration.
Take Control of Your Spine Health
If facet joint pain is affecting your mobility and quality of life, the OPS Surgery Center team is here to help. With expert diagnostics and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized care to relieve pain and restore function.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward pain relief!
