Overview
Facet joints are the small paired joints that link each vertebra to the one above and below. Like any joint, they can develop arthritis — producing neck or back pain that tends to flare with standing, extending, and twisting. Facet-mediated pain is a common source of chronic axial spine pain.
Diagnostic facet joint injections can confirm the facets as the pain generator and provide temporary relief. When that confirmation is helpful, radiofrequency rhizotomy targets the small medial-branch nerves carrying pain signals from the arthritic joint and can provide months of durable relief.
Common Symptoms
- Axial neck or low back pain
- Pain with extension or rotation
- Morning stiffness that loosens with movement
- Localized tenderness over the spine
Common Causes
- Age-related joint degeneration
- Prior whiplash or trauma
- Scoliosis or postural overload
- Repetitive twisting
How We Treat Facet Joint Arthritis
When to See a Pain Specialist
If your pain has lasted longer than a few weeks, interferes with work, sleep, or activity, or hasn’t responded to rest, physical therapy, or over-the-counter medication, it’s worth a consultation. Our team can confirm the diagnosis and walk you through the interventional options that fit your case.