Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment Starts Here

Facet joints are small joints in the spine that help guide movement. When they become irritated or arthritic, they can cause neck or back pain—often worse with certain positions or movements. At Mountain View Pain Center, we help identify what’s driving your symptoms and build a plan to reduce pain and restore comfortable motion.

Also known as: Facet Syndrome, Facet Arthropathy, or Facet Joint Arthritis (sometimes called Facet Joint Disease).

Common Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome

  • Aching, stiffness, or soreness in the neck or low back

  • Pain that worsens with extension (leaning back) or twisting

  • Pain that’s worse after standing for long periods

  • Local tenderness along the spine

  • Reduced range of motion or “tight” feeling

  • Pain that may refer into the shoulder/upper back (neck) or buttock/hip (low back)

  • Symptoms that improve with changing positions or gentle movement

  • Radiating numbness/tingling is less common, but can occur if nerves are also irritated

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Age-related joint wear and tear (arthritis/degeneration)

  • Repetitive bending, twisting, or loading of the spine

  • Prior injury (including whiplash or car accidents)

  • Poor posture or prolonged sitting/standing patterns

  • Limited hip or thoracic mobility increasing spinal stress

  • Weak core/hip stability leading to compensation at the spine

When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek urgent evaluation if you have new or worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle numbness, severe unrelenting pain after trauma, fever/chills, or rapidly worsening numbness/tingling.

How We Evaluate Facet Joint Syndrome

Because spine pain can come from multiple sources, we focus on identifying patterns that suggest facet joint irritation. Your visit may include a review of symptom triggers, movement testing (especially extension and rotation), and assessment of spinal mobility, posture, and surrounding muscles. If symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, or tingling, we may also perform a basic neurologic screen. We also check for red flags to determine whether imaging or referral is appropriate.

How We Treat Facet Joint Syndrome

At Mountain View Pain Center, our multidisciplinary team combines evidence-based care to reduce joint irritation and improve movement:

Mountain View Pain Center Facet Joint Syndrome Pain Management

Pain Management

Targeted diagnostic injections and image-guided procedures when appropriate to reduce inflammation and calm irritated joints or nerves.

Mountain View Pain Center Facet Joint Syndrome Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

Movement-based care to improve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and build stability to reduce stress on the facet joints.

Mountain View Pain Center Chiropractic Care for Facet Joint Syndrome

Chiropractic Care

Hands-on care to support joint mobility and reduce muscle tension, tailored to your symptoms and comfort.

Mountain View Pain Center Acupuncture for Facet Joint Syndrome

Acupuncture

A natural option to support pain relief and relaxation, often combined with your broader plan.

Treatments We Commonly Recommend

  • Mobility and movement retraining (especially for extension/rotation tolerance)

  • Core and hip strengthening to support spinal stability

  • Posture and ergonomic coaching (sitting, standing, lifting)

  • Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and muscle tension

  • Graded activity plan to return to normal movement

  • Image-guided injections (when appropriate)

  • Home program to reduce flare-ups and build consistency

Home Care & Quick Relief

  • Stay gently active (short walks, light movement) and avoid prolonged rest

  • Ice for 10–15 minutes at a time, especially during flare-ups

  • Avoid repeated extension (leaning back) or painful twisting during flare-ups

  • Take movement breaks if standing/sitting triggers symptoms

  • Gentle mobility work as tolerated and recommended by your care team

Facet Joint Syndrome FAQs

  • It’s pain that comes from irritation or arthritis in the facet joints—small joints in the spine that guide movement.

  • Facet pain is often worse with leaning back or twisting and may feel more localized. Disc issues more commonly cause radiating nerve symptoms, though symptoms can overlap.

  • Not always. If your symptoms or exam suggest imaging would help guide care, we’ll recommend the appropriate next step.

  • Many people improve with mobility, strength, and movement retraining—often combining PT, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and, when appropriate, pain management procedures.

  • In some cases, targeted diagnostic injections or image-guided procedures can help reduce inflammation and confirm pain sources. We’ll discuss options if appropriate.

  • Often, no. Some insurance plans require a referral or authorization—if you’re unsure, we can help verify.

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