Understanding Facet Syndrome: A Guide to Back and Neck Joint Pain

1. Understanding Facet Syndrome: A Guide to Back and Neck Joint Pain What Is Facet Syndrome? Facet Syndrome, also known as Facet Joint Pain or Facet Arthropathy, is a condition that causes pain in the spine due to inflammation or degeneration of the facet joints. These small joints, located at the back of each vertebra, help provide stability and allow for movement in the spine. When these joints become irritated, inflamed, or arthritic, they can cause localized pain in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine) and may sometimes radiate to nearby areas. The Role of Facet Joints in the Spin. Your spine is made up of a column of bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. Between each pair of vertebrae are: Intervertebral discs (cushions that absorb shock) Facet joints (paired joints at the back that guide movement) These joints are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a capsule filled with lubricating fluid, allowing smooth motion. Over time, or due to injury, these joints can wear down or become inflamed—leading to Facet Syndrome.

2. Common Causes of Facet Syndrome Facet Syndrome typically results from: Age-related degeneration (osteoarthritis) Repetitive stress or overuse Poor posture Spinal injury or trauma Disc degeneration, which shifts stress to the facet joints Obesity, increasing spinal load Who Is at Risk? People most likely to develop Facet Syndrome include: Adults over age 40 Individuals with a history of back or neck injury Those with sedentary lifestyles or poor posture People with spinal arthritis or disc problems Manual laborers or athletes under repetitive strain Symptoms of Facet Syndrome Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the affected joints: Lumbar (Lower Back) Facet Syndrome Localized low back pain Pain that worsens when standing or bending backward Morning stiffness or pain after rest Referred pain to the buttocks or thighs (not past the knee) Cervical (Neck) Facet Syndrome Pain in the neck and base of the skull Headaches (often at the back of the head) Pain radiating to shoulders or upper back Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion

3. How Facet Syndrome Is Diagnosed Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging: Physical Examination Checking posture, mobility, and areas of tenderness Imaging Tests X-rays – reveal joint degeneration or arthritis MRI – shows soft tissue and disc problems CT Scan – gives detailed images of joint structures Diagnostic Injections A medial branch block (nerve block) is often used. If pain is relieved temporarily, the facet joint is confirmed as the source. Treatment Options Treatment usually starts conservatively and becomes more interventional if pain persists. Non-Surgical Treatments Rest and activity modification Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) Muscle relaxants or pain relievers Physical therapy to improve posture and strengthen core muscles Heat/cold therapy for inflammation and stiffness Interventional Procedures Facet Joint Injections Corticosteroid + anesthetic injected into the joint Medial Branch Block Targets the nerves that supply the facet joint Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Uses heat to disable the sensory nerves causing pain (long-term relief)

4. Surgery (Rare Cases) Reserved for severe or chronic cases that do not respond to other treatments May involve facet fusion or decompression surgery Conclusion Facet Syndrome is a common but treatable cause of spinal pain, especially in aging individuals or those with poor posture or repetitive strain. With the right treatment plan, most people can return to normal activity and manage their symptoms effectively. If you suspect you have Facet Syndrome, consult a spine specialist or orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and personalized care Contact us :- Dr. Sarthak Kadakia | Best Spine Surgeon in Borivali | Spine Specialist in Mumbai Address : 2nd Floor, DEVKRUPA CHS, Swami Vivekananda Rd, beside Pulse Diagnostic Shimpoli Signal, Shimpoli, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400092 Mobile : +919701549701 E-mail : drsarthakkadakia@gmail.com