Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment in Louisiana
Facet joint syndrome is a problem with the facet joints of the spine, where one vertebra connects to another. These joints support your spine while allowing it to bend and twist, but with this syndrome they become stiff and painful. LA Pain Doctor treats facet joint syndrome in the neck and back for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Facet Joint Syndrome?
Like other joints in the body, facet joints are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a capsule of fluid. Over time, this cartilage can wear down from aging and repetitive motion, or it can be damaged by injury. Common contributors include arthritis, degenerating discs that shift more pressure onto the facet joints, poor posture, previous spine surgery, and sudden injuries like Whiplash from car accidents.
Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome
- Dull, aching pain in the neck or lower back
- Pain that worsens when twisting, leaning backward, or standing for long periods
- Stiffness, especially after waking up or sitting
- Pain that spreads to the shoulders, upper back, buttocks, or thighs
- Headaches when the upper neck facet joints are involved
Unlike nerve pain from a Herniated Disc, facet joint pain usually does not travel below the knee or cause significant numbness.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Because facet pain can resemble other spine problems, accurate diagnosis is essential. Your provider will review your symptoms and imaging, and may perform a medial branch block to confirm that the facet joints are the source of pain.
Treatment options include facet joint injections, which deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint, and radiofrequency ablation such as cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy, which can provide longer-lasting relief by quieting the nerves that carry facet pain. We also use trigger point injections to relax tight muscles that often develop around painful joints. Explore our neck pain treatment and lower back pain treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment
What does facet joint pain feel like?
It is usually a dull, aching pain in the neck or lower back that worsens with twisting, bending backward, or standing for long periods.
Is facet joint syndrome the same as arthritis?
Facet joint syndrome is often caused by arthritis in the facet joints, though injuries can also cause it.
How is facet joint syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines your symptoms, a physical exam, imaging, and often a diagnostic medial branch block to confirm the source of pain.
Can facet joint syndrome cause headaches?
Yes. When the upper neck facet joints are involved, pain can spread to the back of the head and cause headaches.
What is the best treatment for facet joint pain?
Facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation are highly effective for many patients, especially when combined with exercise and therapy.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients improve with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is rarely needed for facet joint syndrome.
Where can I get treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats facet joint syndrome at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Stop Letting Joint Pain Limit Your Spine
Get relief from stiff, painful facet joints. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.