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Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome occurs when joints in the spine become swollen and cause pain. Facet joints connect the bones of the spine together and have nerves that pass through them, from the spinal cord to the arms, legs, and other parts of the body.

These joints also allow the spine to bend and twist within safe limits. They contain cartilage and are lined with synovium, and have lubricating joint fluid.

Symptoms of Facet Syndrome

Swollen joints may cause the following symptoms:

Pain
Stiffness
Difficulty standing up straight or getting out of a chair
Needing to turn the whole body to look to the left or right
Needing to walk hunched over
Headache

Digital illustration of injection to treat facet syndrome

Doctor evaluating patient’s symptoms of facet syndrome

Difficulty moving the head
Tenderness to the touch
Feeling of grinding or grating in the joints during movement

Facet syndrome may cause localized, referred, or radiating pain. Localized pain can be described as a dull ache in the lower back. Referred pain is when the actual source of pain leads to pain in other parts of the body, such as the buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, abdomen, or pelvis. Patients with radiating pain may experience a sharp, shooting pain that also causes muscle weakness and fatigue.

Causes of Facet Syndrome

The condition typically develops as part of the natural aging process. The initial cause, however, may be arthritis or an injury or overuse of the joints in younger years.

Facet syndrome may also be caused by spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the lower vertebrae.

Treatment Options

Patients diagnosed with facet syndrome often experience chronic pain. At Premier Urgent Care, patients can experience lasting pain relief after treatment with injections and pain management techniques.

A few types of joint and soft tissue injections offered at the clinic include nerve blocks, sacroiliac joint injections, epidural injections, piriformis injections, and trigger point injections. Patients should speak to their physician to find out if they may benefit from joint and soft tissue injections.

Pain management techniques can also help patients minimize pain through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, cognitive behavior therapy, acupuncture, yoga, deep breathing exercises

Businessman experiencing back pain from facet syndrome

biofeedback, music therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Patients will receive a customized pain management plan to treat their type of pain.

Advanced Treatment

Some patients may need advanced treatment to address their condition, such as chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments for facet syndrome. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.