Facet joint syndrome means the small joints in the back of your spine (facet joints) are painful, usually from arthritis. These joints can cause localized back or neck pain.
Anatomy
• Facet joints connect vertebrae
• Allow bending and rotation
• Develop arthritis like any joint
• Can cause referred pain
Causes
• Age-related arthritis (50+)
• Wear and tear
• Prior injury
• Repetitive motion
• Abnormal spinal alignment
• Instability
Symptoms
• Localized back or neck pain (usually central or lateral)
• Worse with extension (bending backward)
• Worse with rotation
• Morning stiffness
• May have leg symptoms if severe and causing stenosis
• Pain on one side or both
• Often worse on side of turning head/body
Conservative Treatment
• Physical therapy (core strengthening)
• NSAIDs
• Heat/ice
• Facet joint injections (diagnostic and therapeutic)